There are various pieces of legislation relating to health and safety in the workplace and the common denominator in all of these is that employers are responsible for protecting the well being of their employees. The same rules apply to the construction industry and it is up to employers and managers to ensure that they comply with all relevant rules and regulations.
Construction projects are dangerous and project managers must anticipate health and safety risks whilst planning the work. Risk assessments must be carried out and acted upon. Furthermore the findings must be communicated to staff and appropriate training must be provided. Not only will effective health and safety procedures protect employees from injury and employers from work accident compensation claims but they will improve the confidence of all staff members.
Below are some of the most common accidents on construction sites:
• Slips/trips resulting from hazards being left in walkways and spilt liquids being ignored
• Falling objects: when structures collapse or materials are incorrectly stored they can hit employees causing serious injury
• Accidents involving electrics: when workers are exposed to power lines or defective electrical equipment they can suffer shocks or serious burns
• Falling from height: poorly erected scaffolding and other structures can cause injuries from falls. Those who are asked to work in unsafe positions are also at great risk
• Vehicle accidents can occur due to poor surfaces or inadequate vehicles and pedestrians can be struck by vehicles
Negating these risks needn’t be difficult. Here are some of the steps employers can take:
• Fully assessing the history of the site before beginning work is crucial. Employers should find out whether asbestos is likely to be disturbed, where power lines will be, what the ground is like and whether the public can pass through the site
• Comply fully will health and safety regulations and obtain assurances from all workers that they will do the same
• Ensure that all members of staff are properly trained in any task they undertake. The same goes for subcontracted workers
• Provide all the personal protective equipment needed to keep workers safe
• Plan the segregation of pedestrians from vehicles
• Ensure that all areas are well lit
• Establish safety protocols for working at height
• Train staff in how to spot hazards. Trip and slip hazards in particular can be easily dealt with by staff
Call our Accident Solicitors for expert construction accident compensation claims advice
It is crucial that the solicitor you instruct to deal with your construction site accident compensation claim is a specialist. The work accident solicitors here at Bonallack and Bishop are experts in their field and would be happy to help.
- Reach our work accident solicitors on 0800 1404544, or
- Send us an email via the contact form below.
