How to Prevent Construction Site Accidents

Posted by Legal Team | 06/28/22 | Workplace Accident

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments for both workers and bystanders. However, the majority of construction site accidents are preventable by the creation and fostering of safe workspaces by project managers and construction employers. Our study on U.S. construction injury statistics shows how fatal construction site accidents were in 2020.

The following offers suggestions on construction site accident prevention by focusing on the education and health of construction workers.

Safety Training and Reinforcement

The first step in preventing construction site accidents is worker training. All construction site workers need safety training when they start their construction job. Each job should come with its own set of guidelines, including safety standards and hazards associated with the particular position.

Employees need to receive job training from their supervisors both verbally and in writing. No worker should operate equipment they are not authorized or trained to use.

Construction site training should also include daily safety meetings where workers are reminded of safety protocols and hazards specific to their job site as these may change with job progression. Supervisors should remind where first aid is located and reinforce that safety is a team priority.

Use of Safety Equipment and Maintaining the Construction Site

It is imperative that employers train and retrain workers to wear the proper safety gear at all times. Safety gear includes but is not limited to:

Hardhats;
Eye protection;
Hearing protection;
Harnesses;
Boots;
Gloves; and
Masks.

Any clothing should be temperature-appropriate and suitable for sunburn or frostbite prevention.

Worksite safety meetings should address the prevention of slips and falls. This may be through keeping walkways free of debris or using guardrails, canopies, and scaffolding to lessen fall injuries. Workers should be trained to mark or rope off-site hazards to keep others from harm.

Worker training must include information regarding tools and equipment. These require proper inspection, maintenance, and storage. Any malfunctions or misuse can cause employee catastrophic injury or wrongful death.

Workers who drive construction vehicles need to know and employ any available safety measures, including but not limited to:

Defensive driving techniques;
Vehicle strobes;
Pylons, barrels, and buffer zones;
Safety spotters; and
Daytime running lights.

Drivers should drive slowly and carefully and avoid backing up when feasible.

Worker Fatigue and Hydration

Employers and supervisors should reduce night work due to poor visibility and an increased chance of drowsiness. Direct sunlight can also cause fatigue.

To minimize fatigue at job sites, workers must receive regular and frequent breaks. Eating light snacks, drinking water, and resting will help keep workers focused and alert.

Workers should be encouraged to choose healthier options on breaks and at meal times. Heavy meals and carbonated sodas can leach the body of water and cause lethargy. Fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches are better choices for staying alert on a construction site.

Contact an Experienced New Mexico Construction Site Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a construction site accident, reach out to an experienced New Mexico construction site accident attorney today. At Liles White, our construction site accident attorneys help victims of preventable accidents secure the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Construction site supervisors and employers should be held accountable for their negligence. Seek justice for yourself or your loved one. Your consultation is risk-free with the attorneys at Liles White.