According to data from the National Safety Council, the construction industry is the most dangerous for workers in the United States. While thousands of injuries are reported yearly, the number of fatalities among construction workers is shocking.
In 2020, there were 59 total fatalities in Long Island, with more than 500 injuries reported from the construction sector.
One of the best ways to prevent incidents like this is to ensure workers know the risks, hazards, and dangers. Here, you can learn more about the top dangers in the construction industry, which may help you avoid being a victim.
If you are injured or if a loved one is killed while working on a construction site, contact our legal team at The Law Office of Joseph J. Perrini, III. We can review your case and help you file a claim to recover compensation.
Until then, learn more about the dangers on the job site and how to prevent injuries and fatalities.
Common Hazards on Long Island Job Sites
Those who work in the construction industry know the environment is less than ideal. The working conditions are dirty, loud, and sometimes chaotic. Everyone has a job to do and deadlines to meet.
Sometimes, workers use makeshift platforms and ramps or work at great heights in unsafe and unsecured conditions. This often leads to serious injuries and fatalities.
Some of the most common hazards on Long Island job sites can be found here.
Missing Safety Rails
Falls are a leading cause of construction fatalities in Long Island. In fact, they account for 33% of deaths in this industry. If scaffolding and ledges do not have the proper guardrails, the risk of a fall increases.
No Fall Protection Gear
Many employees will work from heights on a job site without the proper safety gear, which includes full arrest systems and safety nets. While OSHA requires these safety elements to be in place, they are missing or overlooked on some job sites.
Struck By Accidents
People are not the only things falling from heights on construction sites. The tools and other items used while working from a height may fall or be dropped. If these items strike someone below, injuries and fatalities may occur.
Machine and Equipment Related Injuries
Virtually all job sites have equipment and machinery with moving or rotating parts. Workers’ body parts or clothing may be caught if these areas are not guarded. This can cause many injuries, including amputations, fractures, and even death.
Electrical Hazards and Exposed Wires
Electric shock accidents are common on Long Island construction sites, too. Some of the causes of these injuries include inadequate wiring, overhead power lines, exposed electrical parts, wet conditions, damaged insulation, and improper grounding.
Tips to Increase Safety on Long Island Job Sites
Understanding the hazards on a job site is just part of the puzzle regarding increasing safety on job sites. You also must ensure workers know how to stay safe. Some tips for doing this include the following:
Ongoing Safety Training
Safety training is an important part of preventing construction accidents. Workers need instruction regarding safety policies, procedures, and regulations. It is also necessary to provide training for new or special equipment they must operate. The proper safety protocol should always be used, regardless of what the job is or what equipment is being used.
Schedule Regular Safety Meetings
It is also important to maintain an open dialogue regarding safety issues. If the same oversight continues, it must be addressed at meetings involving all crew members. Also, these things should be discussed if new hazards are expected or if workers need to heed certain concerns. The more you can remind workers of safety concerns and protocols, the less likely they will be to cause or be involved in an accident.
Ensure Proper Clean-Up
Some construction accidents occur because someone trips and falls over a discarded tool, cord, or wet surface. Slips, trips, and falls can become fatal on construction job sites. Dangerous chemicals, heavy machinery, and heights are common, increasing the risk of an accident. Accidents can be prevented by emphasizing the importance of cleaning up after each task.
Use Proper Protective Equipment
While this may seem like common sense, all construction workers must use the proper protective equipment. This includes helmets, rubber suits, masks, and other PPE (personal protective equipment). If a worker does not have the proper safety equipment to do their job, it should be provided by their employer.
Our Legal Team Can Help After a Job Site Related Accident
You may be unsure where to turn if you have been injured on a Long Island job site. Many accidents can leave you unable to work and earn money to take care of your family. If you find yourself in this situation, we are here to help. Our legal team can review the facts and evidence of your accident and help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. We understand how stressful these situations can be and are just a call away. You can schedule a free consultation to speak with our team today.
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