Construction environments are unfortunately prone to frequent workplace accidents. While the construction industry can be lucrative and appealing, it carries inherent dangers.
However, construction accidents never occur without reason. That’s why we want to explore the four most common causes of accidents in construction workplaces.
For construction workers, it is crucial to adhere to a set of safety guidelines. Remember, managers and property owners hold the responsibility for establishing the conditions of workplace safety.
If you have been injured as a construction worker, consider seeking legal advice from Union Law Firm to determine if you are eligible for compensation.
Never allow a workplace accident to go unresolved. Remember, workplace accidents never simply “happen.”
Causes of Construction Accidents
Statistics reveal that the construction industry has the fourth highest fatality rate in the U.S., with approximately 9.7 deaths per 100,000 employees each year.
So, what are the primary causes?
These four factors are usually to blame.
#1. Lack of Safety Procedures
Construction incidents can happen anywhere. However, the lack of safety procedures is often the root cause. Insufficient procedures frequently lead to injuries or worse.
A construction worker who disregards a safety procedure can make a mistake, and a single mistake can result in injury to themselves or others. Sometimes workers may be unaware of safety procedures due to management’s failure to prioritize them.
#2. Negligence
Negligence is a common cause of accidents. It can occur when an employee is inadequately trained or supervised. Fatigue or working with unfamiliar equipment can also contribute to negligence.
Moreover, contractors not adhering to safety procedures and protocols can result in unsatisfactory training for employees.
It is important to remember that construction sites are inherently dangerous due to heavy machinery, manual labor, and electrical tools. While the job itself carries risks, preventable risks can also arise from poor communication among employees. This can be addressed through higher standards of training and education.
#3. Improper or Poor Working Conditions
Dangerous conditions often contribute to accidents in any workplace, but the construction industry is particularly plagued by them. In a hazardous environment, proper safety procedures should be followed to ensure that dangerous work is carried out with care.
Wearing the appropriate clothing and equipment is essential for personal safety. Failure to do so puts individuals in danger.
Furthermore, working in poor conditions can have a detrimental impact on mental health, exacerbating the risk of accidents. Stress is often a significant factor, leading to accidents.
Even in the absence of established standards, injuries are more likely to occur if the environment is unsanitary, poorly guarded, or inadequately maintained. Owners and managers bear the responsibility of managing and maintaining these conditions.
While specific cases may vary, poor working conditions usually reflect managerial shortcomings. Proper team assignment, avoiding overcrowding, and implementing adequate safety procedures are crucial when work needs to be done on-site.
#4. Inadequate Site Supervision
Have you noticed the interconnectedness of these factors? Here’s another: site supervision.
A construction site requires effective supervision to oversee workers, ensure proper execution of tasks, and enforce safety procedures. Without proper supervision, adherence to protocols may be compromised.
Supervisors play a significant role in managing workers and providing a safe and healthy environment on-site.
On the other hand, employees are responsible for reporting any dangerous or unhealthy working conditions. Employers, supervisors, or managers should never retaliate against such reports.
Unfortunately, this can occur, especially in larger cities. That’s why knowing where to seek legal assistance in such incidents is essential.
If you are concerned that your reports are not being addressed, keep a record of them and the responses received. In case any issues arise, you will have evidence of your efforts to prevent problems from escalating.