Construction Law

How to Avoid Accidents on Construction Sites Part 2

We all know there is an inherent risk that you take on when working on a construction project. With the conditions, the equipment, and the amount of people that are a part of most projects, injury is always factor. However, any Miami construction litigation attorney will tell you, the more you focus on safety on the jobsite, the more likely you are to avoid employee injury and the potential claims that can spring from it.

In the first part of our series on avoiding accidents on construction sites, we address a number of basic practices that can help workers avoid injury. In this part, we will cover a few actions that will cover you in specific situations.

Make Sure All Machinery is Performing Properly

If a machine is not working properly, it can create a higher risk for injury. To reduce this risk, properly inspect all machinery on a regular basis. If it’s broke or not working properly, replace it immediately. Waiting for it to be replaced may lead someone to unknowingly use it and potentially injure them.

Wear Safety Equipment

It’s vital that all of your employees wear the proper safety equipment given the situation. If they are working at heights, they must wear fall arrest equipment. They should wear protective equipment such as goggles and hardhats at all times. They should also wear reflective clothing when doing night time work.

Take Regular Breaks

It’s easy to get caught up in a barrage of deadlines and ignore how your employees feel physically. However, construction can be grueling work and the use of breaks helps to keep your workers fresh and focused. When you are tired, you decision-making capabilities are impaired (similarly to being under the influence of alcohol) and the likelihood for injury increases significantly. Regularly scheduled breaks helps to avoid that.

Stay Hydrated

It’s going to be a hot summer in Miami and in many places throughout the country. Your workers must be encouraged to stay hydrated through the use of easily-located water stations. By doing this, you can avoid the possibility of getting heat exhaustion.

To request a consultation with one of our Miami construction litigation attorneys, please call us today at 954.210.8735 or submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.