Avoiding Construction Site Injuries, Just in Time for Labor Day

Labor Day is right around the corner. Though the day is associated with a long weekend, cookouts, and time spent with family, the day is meant to celebrate the contributions of labor to the nation and the advancements made in labor productivity, strength, and safety of labor and workers in the country. While great strides have been made in improving the working conditions of the American worker over the years, it would be erroneous to say that employees in California or elsewhere are completely protected from danger while on the worksite. Construction workers, in particular, have always had a significantly higher risk of injury or death when compared with other workers. So, on this Labor Day, we at The Barnes Firm would like to discuss construction accidents in New York & California – and what workers can do if they find themselves hurt on the job.

Workplace Accidents in California Result in Injury and Death

According to the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), in 2017 and 2018, nearly 400 workers lost their lives in workplace accidents. The most common causes of these fatal accidents were trips, slips, and falls. The California state government also includes data showing that, every year, hundreds of thousands of employees and workers across the state are injured to some degree or other.

With the combination of heavy machinery (sometimes carrying heavy loads), tight quarters, and electricity, flammable materials, and sharp, powerful tools, it is no wonder that construction sites are dangerous places for construction crews.

Causes of Injuries and Death on Construction Sites

Slips, trips, and falls are just some of the ways that construction workers are hurt while on the job. Some of the other common methods whereby an injury accident or death can occur on a construction site include:

• Improper, defective, or missing safety equipment like harnesses, helmets, and eye protection;
• Improperly grounded electrical outlets;
• Power tools like saws, welding equipment, or power drivers being used by people who are either impaired or who are not properly trained on how to use these tools;
• Falls from ladders, lift equipment, or scaffolding, either due to an equipment collapse or due to a slip, trip, or misstep;
• Crushing injuries due to having a hand, arm, leg, or other body part caught in a machine or being run over by heavy machinery; and/or
• Injuries from falling loads suspended overhead (a roof collapse or a load dropped from a crane, for example).

Construction workers who are hurt while on the job will likely be eligible to receive compensation through the state’s worker’s compensation program. California’s worker’s compensation program is mean to provide financial assistance in the case of injury or death, but claimants need to follow the program’s directions and timelines for submitting a claim.

Staying Safe Through Labor Day and Beyond

Whether you have a day off from work on Labor Day or whether you will be on the job, take time and consider how you might be able to increase your safety. Some tips include:

• Asking for the proper safety equipment you need and for training on how to use such equipment;
• Bring any defective or ineffective equipment or dangerous jobsite condition to the attention of your supervisor or site foreperson. If your concern is not addressed, contact your local California’s occupational safety and health office;
• Do not use tools or equipment that you are not trained to operate; and
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch for heavy machinery or other activities which could pose a risk to you.

The Barnes Firm wishes you and yours a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend!

About Our Best Construction Accident Lawyers

The Barnes Firm’s best construction accident lawyers in New York & California have decades of experience recovering optimal results for their clients. Our team can make sure your injuries and properly documented and effectively treated, all while working on recovering compensation for you.

After any construction accident, you can go over your options with our legal team for FREE. We can help explore your options so you can feel confident about the direction of your case. Call us now for a FREE case evaluation.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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