Cause and Prevention of Fatal Construction Accidents

Although there is a decrease in the number of fatalities in the construction industry, it still has the highest number of deaths compared to any other industries in the private sector.

There are constant dangers that surround workers and one mistake can lead to a fatal construction accidents.

The most common fatal construction accidents are:

• Falls from different levels or elevated heights such as roofs

• Struck by nail

• Explosion because of improper use and storage of explosive devices and chemicals

• Crashed by falling wall

• Struck by falling object

• Trench cave in

• Crushed by malfunctioning machinery and equipment

• Electrocution

• Asphyxiation

There are a number of reasons for these accidents to happen. But most of the time, it is a result of negligent actions by other people and sometimes even the employers.

Here are some of the most common causes of fatal construction accidents:

• One of the most common cause of construction accidents are malfunctioning machines and equipment. This may be caused by a defective product, none or insufficient maintenance, and/or improper use.

• Another cause of construction accidents are unsafe working conditions. Employers have the responsibility to keep the working environment as safe as possible for workers. Lack of safety equipment like nets, harness, helmets or other gears could lead to death. Improperly constructed scaffoldings also contribute to hazardous conditions that can lead to more fatalities.

• Another cause of construction accidents is lack of training. Workers in the construction industry are operating potentially hazardous equipments and machineries like cranes, forklifts and tractors. Before operating such machineries, training should be provided to avoid accidents. The employer could also invest in safety trainings so as to avoid accidents and to inform employees on what to do in case an accident cannot be avoided.

• Last, as a result of employers trying to cut costs, some do not meet the standard set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). They try to save money by not following the safety regulations set by OSHA that could result to unsafe working conditions.

Employers and workers should work hand in hand to ensure that the working conditions are safe to avoid any accidents.

Some of the most basic tips employers and employees can follow are the following:

• Employers and employees should observe and watch out for possible dangers in the workplace. If the dangers can be recognized, then proper measures can be taken. An example would be if you observed that chemicals are stored near explosive devices; once reported, the employer can take measures like storing the chemicals in much safer conditions that is far from the explosives.

• Invest in training. Train employees on the proper use of each equipment and machineries. Cranes, tractors and forklifts are special machines that need special instructions. Continuous safety trainings could also be provided to ensure that employees are informed and is always updated on what to do in case of an accident.

• Post the safety rules and regulations somewhere that is visible to everyone. Rules about proper clothes and gears inside the workplace should also be included.

Those are just some tips to help prevent fatal construction accidents.

If your family member is a victim of a fatal construction accident, you may be entitled to some compensation for their wrongful death.

Consult a wrongful death attorney who has experience in handling fatal construction accidents.