Tips for Preventing Construction Site Accident Injuries in Illinois

 Posted on October 23, 2019 in Personal Injury

Workers in the construction industry face certain risks that employees who work in an office or corporate setting do not. Whether it is building a new house or a skyscraper, the labor can be physical and often dangerous. Construction jobs also involve heavy equipment and power tools so it is important to follow proper safety procedures. 

Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that approximately 150,000 construction site injuries occur each year. The BLS also reported that even though falls make up the majority of these accidents, equipment malfunctions also significantly contributed to causing injuries to employees. Unfortunately, construction site accidents can happen and they can cause serious injuries and deaths.

Safety First

Any type of construction site must follow strict rules and regulations for safety reasons. These procedures are monitored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). There are certain standards that are frequently violated in the construction industry. Below are some of the common construction site safety issues that if not properly addressed or followed, can cause an accident with injuries:

• Fall protection - Every site should include safety systems such as guardrails, safety nets, safety cords, and personal fall prevention and alert systems. 
• Hazardous materials containment - Employers are required to display a list of all hazardous chemicals used at the site. Any hazardous substances must be labeled with a warning regarding the risk of all hazardous chemicals and proper handling procedures.
• Scaffolding - Companies are responsible for inspecting scaffolding to make sure it is secure and meets OSHA standards. Scaffolding should be erected on solid footing, fully planked, and at least 10 feet away from power lines. 
• Respiratory protection - Adequate ventilation and/or masks must be available to workers if they are dealing with a lot of dust or debris, which are often found on construction sites. 
• Control of hazardous energy - Electrocution is one of the most severe injuries that a worker can sustain on a construction site. Rubber grips must be installed on any metal conductors. Also, fire extinguishers must be on site in case of an explosion and subsequent fire.
• Ladders - Improper use of ladders is one of the leading causes of injury. They must be secured and the correct height. A ladder should be taken out of service if it has any broken rungs. 
• Eye, face, and head protection - Employers are required to provide eye and face protection to workers free of charge. Safety goggles and facial shields or guards can protect a worker from sharp objects that could cause blindness. Hardhats that meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards must be worn by everyone who is on the site, even if they are just visiting or supervising the work.
• First aid kit - An updated first aid kit should always be accessible to treat wounds on site. This kit should include disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, painkillers, and bandages of all sizes. It is important to remember to call 911 if a worker needs immediate medical attention. 

Builders and construction management companies are responsible for providing a safe work environment for their employees. If they do not adhere to safety standards by regularly inspecting and replacing equipment, they can be found negligent in the event of an injury. 

Contact a Joliet Personal Injury Attorney

Construction employees can face risks if proper safety precautions are not taken. If you or your loved one was hurt on the job at a construction site, your injuries may be severe, requiring costly medical bills and extensive rehab. A seasoned Will County construction site accident lawyer can review your case to determine if negligence may have led to your accident and prove liability for your accident. The skilled legal team of McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC has had successful outcomes in all kinds of personal injury claims. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 815-727-0100.

Sources: 

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2375&ChapterID=67

https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html

https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/10-construction-site-safety-tips