Common Hazards in Construction Sites
Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, like how construction sites have more hazards compared to, say, office buildings.
But do you know that construction employers and supervisors are legally obligated to make an effort in ensuring the safety of their construction sites? In fact, according to the website of the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, LTD., workers who have been injured in construction sites may take legal action against the responsible parties.
However, this does not mean that workers can just go around and be reckless. They should also be responsible for themselves and their co-workers to ensure the safety of everybody. The first step to construction site safety is to be aware of the possible hazards.
Explosives and Combustible Materials
Many objects that can be found in construction sites may cause fires and explosions, including chemicals, gases, pipes, wires, and even outright explosives. Exposure to these hazards may result into amputations, burn injuries, eye and skin irritations, lung problems, and traumatic injuries.
Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death in construction sites, and this is because of exposed wires and faulty wiring systems. Even if you are lucky to survive, you are likely to suffer from serious burn injuries that may even involve the nerves, muscles, and bones.
Construction workers rely on equipment and machines, such as scaffoldings, ladders, and cranes, to reach and work on elevated places. But these also put them at risk of falling, especially if the equipment and machines are defective or weak. Falling accidents can result into fractures, trauma, and even death.
Falling object accidents are often caused by negligence, like when a small construction tool has slipped or an entire machine has fallen from an elevated area and has landed into an unsuspecting worker. These accidents often result into traumatic injuries, particularly in the head, neck, shoulder, and back area.
Simple tools like drills and complicated machines like backhoe loaders and bulldozers are also capable of injuring a person, especially if they don’t have the proper instructions, safety warnings, and maintenance that ensures that they are in top condition and without defects. The most dangerous accidents including tools and machines involve amputations and entrapments.