You work long, hard hours in a dangerous environment. You should be able to expect a level of safety on the job, but that isn’t always the case. While employers are on the hook for preventing falls, being an educated worker can help ensure you don’t pay the price for someone else’s negligence.
Falls have long been the number one cause of death in the construction industry. Negligence or reckless action like this could qualify you for a personal injury lawsuit.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that construction employers are responsible for arranging fall-protection equipment at heights of more than six feet. Knowing these guidelines can keep you safe at work, and evidence of violations will give you steady footing if you need to seek compensation from a liable party.
Basic fall protection
Physical barriers are the simplest way to avoid injuries. Be careful of areas with guardrails, safety nets and areas that need personal fall protection systems. Inspect your harness for any wear or damage that may affect the quality of your protection.
Scaffold safety
Make sure you regularly check any scaffolding you are using. Check for correctly built frames, and that there is no damage to platforms. Any scaffolding in-use must meet OSHA standards, including using lumber able to support up to 1,500 lbs.
Secure ladders
Ladders must also meet OSHA standards. You can lower the chance of injury by not climbing while holding anything heavy, using both hands and not working on a ladder for extended periods. Make sure to check the area for hazards, such as slick ground or unstable structures, and use a spotter who knows how to secure a ladder properly.
Construction is never without risk, but follow these tips to help avoid injury and take note of violations of OSHA guidelines. If you sustained injuries at a job site that ignores OSHA mandates, speak with an attorney to see if your suffering may be someone else’s fault.