Working in the construction industry is inherently dangerous because there is a high possibility of accidents occurring on the job site and because there are ever-evolving health and safety risks and hazards outside the job site. Because of this, understanding the best techniques to reduce dangers on construction sites will place you and your construction sites in the best possible position to continue luring in the most qualified employees.
Construction site managers or employers need to prevent a variety of undesirable outcomes, including accidents, long-term damage, sicknesses, and mental health problems. Given that, on average, two construction workers pass away from workplace-related injuries every day in the United States, this is extremely important.
If this statistic seems astounding, keep in mind that one in five occupational deaths is tied to construction. For the sake of your health, the health of your employees, and the success of your company, it makes sense to be aware of the risks, their effects, and the steps you can take to improve the working environment on construction sites.
What are the Consequences of a Construction Accident in Florida?
Knowing the risks and dangers that exist in a building environment does not provide a complete picture from a human or financial standpoint. In reality, firms that overlook the potential negative impact of on- and off-site dangers pay a large price, in addition to deaths and bodily or mental injury.
Accidents in the construction sector have a direct financial impact. The annual expenses of fatal and non-fatal injuries on construction sites in the United States amount to billions of dollars. This is undoubtedly a significant result of building site risks that go uncontrolled, with an average cost of $27,000 each accident. It is also crucial to keep in mind that the average cost of an injury across all industries is just $15,000, making the construction business a far more expensive sector when injuries occur.
In addition, firms who are found to be in breach of OSHA regulations may be subject to hefty fines. Except for de minimis infractions, when businesses are just orally advised of their deficiencies, other offenses carry fines that begin at $13,000 and can reach ten times that amount if they are committed repeatedly.
More subtly, the construction sector is experiencing an increase in the negative effects of stress, sadness, and anxiety on mental health. This is due to dangerous or demanding working conditions. They also have the potential to snowball into huge losses for construction projects when coupled with any other disease that prevents workers from reporting to work.
Finally, the effects of risks and hazards should not be assessed exclusively in terms of the cost to the employer or site manager. Beyond the obvious effects on one’s own health and wellbeing, an accident can have devastating effects on employees and even result in the loss of a family’s source of income. This is especially true in minority communities, where the wounded worker is sometimes the primary provider of income. Depending on the employee’s medical coverage and the severity of the accident or sickness, medical expenses in the United States might be prohibitive in addition to the loss of wages and have significant effects.
How to Prevent a Construction Accident in Orlando, FL?
Preventing a construction accident in Florida doesn’t have to be difficult. The general construction safety guidelines that should be followed to keep workers and visitors safe are listed below in order to prevent injuries, accidents, and other health issues on a construction site:
Always Use PPE
To lessen exposure to the numerous risks present on the jobsite, all employees and visitors at the construction site must don the necessary PPE. Goggles, helmets, gloves, earplugs or muffs, boots, high visibility vests, and suits are examples of common PPEs.
Observe OSHA Requirements
In terms of regulations, OSHA enforces rules on companies to ensure a safe workplace. This comprises the following:
- Make every effort to keep building areas free of known dangers.
- Respect all guidelines, directives, and rules published under the OSH Act.
- Check the working environment to see if it complies with OSHA regulations.
- Ensure that all tools and equipment are secure and keep them up to the highest standards.
- Make sure correct warnings, such as color codes, posters, or labels, are in place to emphasize possible dangers to workers.
- Set up and convey to staff crystal-clear operational procedures that are updated as needed.
- Before any work is done on the job site, make sure that personnel have received training. This is especially crucial considering the significant proportion of foreign workers in the construction business.
- If workers come into contact with dangerous materials, implement a hazard communication program.
- provide training and medical examinations.
On its website, OSHA provides further information about their rules.
Be Conscious and Obey Signs
Safety signs give management the opportunity to inform and increase visitors’ and workers’ understanding of health and safety. Where required, strategically deploy them across the area. Construction site safety guidelines and various signs, such as warning, prohibition, safe condition, and fire fighting equipment signs, should be known to workers.
Take Care of the Mental Health of Your Employees
Beyond the OSHA employer requirements mentioned above, it is becoming increasingly important to make sure that mental illness is taken care of in terms of health and well-being. Employers have a moral obligation to make sure that there is no discrimination and that all forms of abuse are prohibited in the workplace.
Give Precise Directions
There should be a contractor or site induction present. New employees will be able to become used to site operations as a result. The workers may receive health and safety instructions effectively by using toolbox lectures. It is done either every day or more frequently before work starts.
Keep the Construction Site Tidy and Clean
Verify that there aren’t merely laying around the site dirt, dust, loose nails, and stagnant water. To avoid slips and accidents, the building site has to be cleaned every day and kept clear of clutter.
Organize and Safely Store Your Tools
Make sure there are no tools laying around, and disconnect all lights and power equipment. Following safety regulations on construction sites will assist avoid damage to equipment or even worker injuries. Putting them in their proper locations will help make navigating simpler.
Use the Correct Tools for the Correct Tasks
Misuse of a tool or piece of equipment is a common cause of accidents. Don’t use improvised tools. Use the proper instrument to complete the task instead to make it faster and safer.
Prepare an Emergency Plan
The workforce is instructed on what to do in the event of catastrophes such as fires, explosions, spills of hazardous materials, or other sorts of accidents through an emergency response plan. Establish a specialized staff to handle emergency situations, respond to inquiries, and report any possible dangers, quality problems, or near-misses.
Always Implement Safety Measures
The installation of engineering controls, such as barriers, fences, and safeguards, is one method of ensuring site safety. These will aid in separating people from dangerous environments such as those with high-voltage electricity or substances that emit poisonous fumes.
Inspect Tools and Equipment Before Use
Make sure the tools and equipment are in good condition before you start working.
Report Problems Immediately
Workers should be instructed to report errors and near-misses on the spot as soon as they are observed. Only when problems are brought to management’s attention can they be resolved. The sooner problems are detected, the less likely it is that they will become worse and result in mishaps or further damage.
Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. is Here to Help You After Your Construction Accident in Orlando, Florida
If your employer or their insurance provider did not treat your work-related injuries seriously or if your initial construction accident claim for benefits was turned down, you need knowledgeable legal representation. For your health, finances, family, and future, you must act quickly. Furthermore, you could be unsure about your eligibility for workers’ construction accident compensation. A workers’ compensation attorney might be extremely beneficial in this situation. Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A.’s expert attorneys have devoted their entire legal careers to defending the rights of injured employees. In workers’ compensation situations, our decades of combined expertise can be advantageous to you.
Workers in Orlando, Florida are served by Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. If you’ve been in a construction accident in Boca Raton, we are also there to help. Our full-service work injury law firm focuses solely on workers’ compensation, and our experience in this area helps us comprehend the different types of injuries, the right to choose your doctor, when to report your injury, the need for an experienced work injury attorney, the possible compensation you may be entitled to, and the justifications for reopening a case that has already been closed. Call our staff at 561-513-4376 right away to find out more about how we can assist you with your workers’ compensation case. To schedule a free first consultation with Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., get in touch with us right away.