If you work on a Pennsylvania construction site, you understand that the job comes with certain risks. Despite the fact that construction work is inherently risky, you still have the right to certain safety measures on site. In fact, your employer is responsible for implementing appropriate safety measures, including steps to prevent falls.
Falls are one of the most common sources of workplace accidents on construction sites. They can lead to serious or even fatal injuries, but often, they are preventable through the implementation of safety standards and fall protection equipment. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, some of the most common violations on construction sites in 2017 involved fall protection equipment and working from heights.
What can your employer do?
Employers are responsible for providing worksites that are as safe as possible. While construction can be risky work due to the equipment and type of physical labor required, there are ways that employers can actively protect the well-being of their workers. A few steps that can help keep construction workers safe and reduce the chance of a fall include:
- Plan ahead to do the job well. Through proper planning, it will be easier to do jobs safely, as well as account for the necessary safety equipment required to do the job well.
- Provide the right equipment to employees. When it comes to preventing falls, you should have access to the safety equipment necessary in order to reduce the chance of a fall.
- Train employees to work safely and use the equipment in the right way. Training is a significant step to reducing falls while working on construction sites.
With the right training and effort, it is possible to make construction sites safer for the men and women who work there. If you work in this specific field, it can be helpful for you to understand how to protect yourself and work safely.
After an accident on a construction site
If you suffered injuries while working on a construction site, you do not have to walk through the aftermath alone. You could have grounds to pursue financial support through a workers’ compensation claim. A complete evaluation of your case will help you understand if this is a possibility for you and what you may be able to claim.
Some injured workers find it beneficial to start by seeking guidance from an attorney familiar with the workers’ compensation claims process. This may help you avoid complications and missteps as you pursue a full and fair recovery.