6 Common Reasons Why Highway Construction Accidents Happen
Working in construction is dangerous. Some may argue that it is the nature of the job, yet in reality, it is not supposed to be so.
It is the construction company and contractors’ duty to their workers to provide a safe workplace, equipment, and good training to prevent avoidable accidents. In case you get involved in a construction accident, contact an experienced construction accident lawyer for guidance.
Here Are Six Prime Reasons Why Highway Construction Accidents Happen
To improve work safety, employers should understand the most typical causes of construction accidents. Below are the six most common reasons for highway construction accidents:
1. Fall Accidents
When it comes to construction accidents, falls are at the top of the list. Most of these falls lead to death.
The most common factors that lead to falls include:
- Faulty scaffolding
- Defective ladders
- Slippery surfaces caused by rain or other slipping hazards
- Unmarked excavation sites
Employers should perform consistent inspections on active construction sites to safeguard workers’ safety. Employers and workers can work together to prevent fall accidents by being aware of their surroundings and reporting hazards. They can also keep walkways clear of obstructions and debris.
2. Highway Collisions
Highway accidents are among the primary causes of death for construction workers. Vehicle collisions on construction sites lead to deaths and fatal injuries. Pedestrians also get struck by vehicles in road construction zones.
Exercising safety tips like obeying traffic rules and setting up barricades or smart traffic control systems to notify drivers about work zones helps prevent most of these accidents. All traffic control devices must comply with the Federal Highway Administration’s manual and state agency requirements.
3. Caught-In/-Between Accidents
Caught-in/-between accidents are among the fatal four accidents, but they are often misunderstood. Caught-in/-between accidents are when workers are compressed, crushed, or caught in between two or more objects. These types of accidents are unpredictable and can happen anywhere.
The primary danger that can lead to caught-in/between accidents is being pulled into machinery, such as when a machine grabs onto a loose cloth.
4. Ladder Accidents
Ladders may not seem dangerous, but they can cause severe construction accidents that seriously injure workers.
Typical ladder hazards include:
- Placing a ladder at the wrong angle
- Leaning sideways while on the ladder
- Using a short ladder
- Climbing a ladder while carrying heavy things
- Exceeding ladder load capacity
- Placing a ladder on an uneven surface
- Defective ladders
Workers should always be careful when using ladders and also notify their supervisor whenever they notice defects.
5.Electrocution Accidents
Electric shocks can lead to injuries such as burns, nerve damage, or even death. The leading cause of electrical deaths among electrical workers is direct contact with a power source, wiring light fixtures, or circuit breakers. For non-electrical workers, the main cause of death by electrocution is touching overhead or underground power lines.
Employers should provide employees with the correct safety gear and carry out regular maintenance and safety checks on electrical tools. They should also follow proper lock-out procedures on machines to ensure they do not activate unexpectedly.
6. Defective Equipment
When working on a construction site, all equipment should be in good condition. But that is only sometimes the case. Defective equipment like cranes, ladders, and scaffolding, among others, can risk the lives of the workers. Providing appropriate PPE and regularly inspecting tools and machinery may prevent construction accidents.
Conclusion
When employers and workers are not educated about the common causes of accidents, the construction site can be a dangerous place. Employers should conduct their due diligence and ensure construction zones are safe.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction site accident, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to file a personal injury claim and obtain fair compensation.
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