The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that compliance with the agency’s strict safety regulations can prevent almost all types of work-related injuries. However, construction workers’ accidents in Ohio continue to cause injuries, which are often severe or even fatal. For that reason, some safety authorities advise construction workers to take all the precautions they can to protect themselves rather than to place their lives in the hands of their employers.
The first step for workers is to attend as many safety training programs as possible because being informed will allow them to mitigate injury threats. Training on the safe operation of heavy equipment and what action to take in the event of an emergency can turn out to be life saving. Another essential precaution is never to disregard the importance of personal protective equipment such as hard hats, face shields or safety goggles, steel-toed boots, gloves and shirts, and pants that cover arms and legs.
Falls are some of the most prevalent causes of fatalities and catastrophic injuries in the construction industry. Fall harnesses in excellent working order must always be used in conjunction with proper, secure anchor points. Other fall hazards include scaffolds and ladders, which must be examined for damage before every use. Bent, cracked, dirty or soiled ladder rungs or scaffold planks can cause falls, and so can wobbling or swaying due to an uneven or unstable footing. Ladders and scaffolds must always be the prescribed distance away from power lines.
Although many more hazards exist that could cause construction workers’ accidents, taking precautions to address these dangers can already go a long way in saving lives. However, in the event of such an incident, financial relief can be obtained through the workers’ compensation insurance program. An experienced Ohio attorney can provide the necessary support and guidance with the filing of benefits claims for compensation of medical expenses and lost wages.
Source: smallbusiness.chron.com, “How Can Employees Reduce Workplace Injuries in Construction?“, Vicki Wright, Accessed on April 27, 2018