To ensure their safety, employees of construction sites should be familiar with the workplace injury procedure and follow it if an incident occurs. Employees can help reduce the risk of injury in their workplace by adhering to safety regulations and wearing protective equipment such as helmets and gloves when appropriate. They should also be aware of any potential hazards in the area, report any issues they see immediately, and seek help from supervisors or HR professionals should they have any questions or concerns. If you need help with a workplace injury in Washington, D.C., contact a Washington D.C. work injury attorney schedule a free consultation.
The Most Common Construction Site Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Every year, thousands of construction workers are injured, some suffering catastrophic injuries that can change their lives forever. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate all risk on a construction site, there are steps you can take to minimize the danger. The following are some of the more common construction workplace injuries and how you can avoid them.
Falls from Heights
Falls from heights are one of the most common types of construction-related accidents. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, rooftops, or any other elevated height often result in serious injury or death due to the speed with which one falls as well as the impact when they contact the ground.
To reduce the risk of falls, all employees should wear proper safety equipment such as harnesses and helmets, keep ladders and scaffolding stable with secure footing, use guardrails around high surfaces, be trained appropriately on how to move safely on elevated surfaces, and inspect all equipment regularly for signs of damage or wear.
Struck-by Hazards
Struck-by hazard incidents, where an object falls or swings into workers, are another major cause of injury on construction sites. Being hit by an object can cause serious head trauma or other life-altering injuries.
To minimize your risk of being struck by an object, always wear protective gear such as hard hats and steel-toed boots while working on a job site. Additionally, make sure that any tools or materials are stored securely so they don’t fall onto workers below.
Overexertion
Overexertion is another common type of injury suffered by construction workers due to heavy lifting or repetitive motions over long periods of time. If you’re doing a strenuous activity for an extended period of time, make sure you take frequent breaks and stretch regularly to reduce fatigue and strain on your body. Additionally, try to utilize mechanical aids like cranes whenever possible instead of manually lifting large objects yourself.
Working with Heavy Machinery
Another common source of workplace injury is working with heavy machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, forklifts, and more. These pieces of equipment have powerful components that can cause serious damage if not used correctly.
When operating heavy machinery, it’s important to understand how each piece works before operating it. You should never operate machinery under the influence of drugs or alcohol or without proper training, and you should always wear protective gear including hard hats. Your employer should inspect all machines before use for any signs of damage or malfunctioning parts, but if you’re familiar with the machine, it doesn’t hurt for you to take a look and make sure you don’t see anything dangerous.
Electrocution
Another major concern for workers in the construction industry is electrocution. This type of injury occurs when a person comes into contact with an exposed electrical current and receives an electric shock. Electrocution can cause burns, loss of consciousness, heart arrhythmias, organ damage, muscle contractions, respiratory failure, and even death in extreme cases.
To avoid electrocution accidents on the job site, employers should ensure that all electrical wiring is up to code and that regular inspections are conducted by a qualified professional electrician. Additionally, workers must be trained on proper electrical safety protocol before beginning any work around exposed wires or outlets.
Steps To Take After an Injury
If you are a construction worker who has been injured on the job, it is important to understand your rights and how to handle the situation. There are a few key steps that should be taken to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Report the Injury to Your Employer and Insurance Provider
The first thing you should do when dealing with an injury at work is report it to your employer and insurance provider as soon as possible. This will help begin the process of getting compensation for any medical expenses or lost wages. It’s also important to keep track of all related paperwork such as doctor’s notes, medical bills, and other documents that may be necessary for filing your claim.
Step 2: Tell Your Healthcare Provider The Injury Is Work-Related
If you need to see a healthcare provider for an injury sustained at work, make sure you tell them it was work-related. This will ensure that your medical bills are covered by workers’ compensation insurance instead of coming out of your own pocket. Additionally, make sure you keep records of any related travel expenses or missed time from work due to appointments or recovery time.
Step 3: Give Your Employer Written Notice
If your workplace injury requires time off from work, it’s important to give your employer written notice so they understand what has happened and why you need time away from work. This can help protect both you and your employer in case there are any future disputes over missed wages or benefits due to an injury sustained while working on the job.
It is also important to keep copies of all correspondence between yourself and your employer in case they try to deny you benefits or compensation later down the line.
Step 4: Find A Personal Injury Lawyer
In some cases, it may be beneficial for construction workers who have been injured on the job to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer who specializes in workplace injuries. They can provide assistance with negotiating settlements to help workers receive compensation for their injuries and lost wages due.
If you’ve been injured at work and need help, contact our Washington D.C. personal injury attorney today to schedule a free consultation.