Causes of construction site accidents

Employers are required to take reasonable steps to minimize the risk of construction site injuries. However, despite a New York contractor’s best efforts, there is a chance that you might get hurt while on the job. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of construction site accidents.

Falls from heights can result in serious injury or death

OSHA regulations state that workers must be given protective equipment while performing tasks more than six feet from the ground. However, there is no guarantee that a guardrail will support your weight or that a harness won’t snap unexpectedly. If you don’t have access to safety gear while working at heights, a fall might result in broken bones, internal bleeding or a concussion.

You might be hit by a falling object

Even if you aren’t working on an elevated platform, you could still be injured by others who are working at heights in your general vicinity. This is because you could be at risk of being hit by a power tool, toolbox or chunk of debris that is dislodged from that adjacent work area. Ideally, you’ll wear a hard hat, eye protection and other gear designed for use on construction sites. If you are hit by a falling object, report the incident to your employer, seek treatment and consider filing a workers’ comp claim.

Extreme weather can increase your chances of getting hurt

You might be vulnerable to frostbite, hypothermia or other health issues while working outdoors during periods of extremely cold weather. Furthermore, you could be at risk of heatstroke while working during periods of extreme heat or humidity. If you hear thunder, see lightning or otherwise believe that a storm is approaching, it is important to head inside immediately.

If you’re hurt at work, an attorney may be able to help you obtain financial compensation in a timely manner. He or she might be able to walk you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim or ensure that your pending claim is processed in a timely manner.

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