LEADING CAUSES OF ALABAMA CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS
The construction industry usually has the most reported deaths of any industry in Alabama. Construction sites can be incredibly dangerous places to work, and if you’ve been hurt there, you might be entitled to financial recompense for your suffering. Likewise, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim if a member of your family perished in a Decatur or Huntsville construction accident.
Construction companies in Decatur and Huntsville are aware of the regulations issued by OSHA and other regulatory bodies, but often I n an effort to save money or time, construction companies disregard these regulations, endangering the lives and health of their employees. Some regulations, like safety railings, protective masks and fall prevention harnesses, are straightforward measures to safeguard employees, but businesses routinely engage in negligence that leaves workers defenseless against the dangers of construction site.
The Most Common Causes of Construction Injuries and Death in Alabama include the following:
- Falls from heights
- Construction vehicle crashes
- Forklift accidents
- Crane accidents
- Electrocutions
- Machinery malfunctions
- Misuse of machinery and removed safety guards
- Falling objects
- Chemical Exposures
The Most Common Construction Injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Muscular injuries
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Death from electrocutions and cave-ins
8 Steps Employers Should Take to Prevent Construction Accidents
- Ensure all workers are outfitted in high-visibility clothing and gear
- Install safety bars and steps on vehicles
- Hold frequent safety meetings
- Stay hydrated
- Reduce sun exposure
- Loss of concentration, focus or orientation
- Monitor crew alertness
- Inspect equipment
OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign provides us with three easy to remember words that will help you prevent construction site accidents.
Plan ahead to get the job done safely. When estimating the cost of a job, your employer should include safety equipment, and plan to have all the necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site. Do you feel your employer plans ahead?
Provide the right equipment. As a construction worker, you should always be provided with the correct type of tools you need to get the job done safely. Do you feel your employer provides you with the right equipment?
Train everyone to use the equipment safely. It is the responsibility of your employer to train workers in hazard recognition and in the care and safe use of equipment. Do you feel you were properly trained for safe use of construction equipment?
Post Construction Accident Checklist
- Seek medical attention, even if you believe the injury from your construction accident is minor, visit a medical professional immediately
- Contact your direct supervisor and file an injury report
- Report the construction accident to OSHA
- Document the location of the injury, and any equipment involved, details will be important in the long run, so be thorough with your details
- Make a record of all the witnesses to your construction accident, including their names and contact information
- Take pictures and gather any additional physical evidence of the injury
- Contact a Decatur or Huntsville personal injury attorney
- Finish medical treatment
Best Construction Accident Lawyer Near Me
A common misconception is that employees of contractors and sub-contractors cannot seek worker’s compensation benefits. Actually, construction workers who are injured at a job site are eligible for worker’s compensation benefits and may maintain a personal injury action against negligent third parties. If you’ve been injured on a job or construction site, contact us today. Hire the best personal injury attorney you can hire. Call 256-534-3435.