For those who have a responsibility to provide safety for construction workers on the job, the processes they face are a lot more complex than most people might think.
The average person tends to think about workplace safety in a way that’s similar to what’s shown on television — you see people putting on hard hats and simply strolling onto a job site. In reality, though, providing for public health and safety is a much more difficult and extensive process than just offering hard hats or even other types of personal protective equipment.
Evaluating Airborne Worksite Hazards
Some types of safety provisions on jobs relate to potentially dangerous airborne particles. Asbestos and lead are two prime examples. Construction companies and other types of businesses have to make sure that their worksites are not contaminated by airborne asbestos particles which are typically generated by certain types of cutting, grinding, sanding and other renovations to asbestos-containing materials. Likewise, they have to make sure that any physical work on older buildings is not generating lead paint dust.
Additionally, there are a variety of fumes from chemicals used in buildings processes that also have to be considered in providing full safety for workers.
Material and Tool Safety
Responsible people on construction sites have to make sure that tools and materials are of good quality and in serviceable condition. They have to make sure that tools and equipment are safe to use and that materials are safe to work with. They also have to look at whether stored materials present any dangers in terms of entrance or exit to the site, or in getting around the site and doing the tough work that needs to be done.
Site Conditions
Planners also have to look at different types of site conditions. For instance, they must look at where high levels of heat or electrical energy are being generated and create plans to protect workers. They have to consider whether workers will be exposed to a lot of vehicular traffic because of the limitations of the worksite, or whether excessive dust, smoke or steam can impair visibility.
Ladders, Scaffolding, Etc.
Another very important part of safety planning relates to movement from one part of a site to another. Any resources that allow vertical movement, such as ladders and scaffolding, have to be correctly installed and well supported. Floor surfaces need to be stable and even.
All of this is part of comprehensive safety in construction worksites. Companies have a responsibility to look out for different types of risks and dangers and apply practical solutions to limit workplace injuries.
We’re a New York City Personal Injury Law Firm That’s On Your Side
If you or someone in your family was injured in a construction accident at work, call the experienced injury lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. We listen carefully to every client and help injured workers build cases for the best chance at court settlements or compensation for their injuries, to include amounts for things such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Let us help you bring a personal injury case in the state of New York.