The construction industry is dangerous. However, many of these dangers can be mitigated when employers take appropriate precautions. Unfortunately, countless avoidable accidents happen all the time on construction sites due to the negligence of employers and other parties. As a construction worker, your ability to recognize unsafe working conditions can mean the difference between safety and injury. In this article, we discuss signs of unsafe working conditions on a construction site.
Inadequate Training
Construction sites are inherently dangerous. However, much of this danger can be mitigated by proper training. Unfortunately, though, many employers fail to provide adequate training to their employees. Without proper training on how to operate heavy machinery and use materials and tools safely, serious accidents are bound to happen.
Frequent Employee Illnesses
If you or your fellow employees appear to be suffering from illnesses frequently, this could be a sign of an unsafe workspace. Construction site illnesses are often caused by improper working conditions, such as improper ventilation, harmful chemicals, and other toxins. Symptoms like allergies, headaches, respiratory issues, dizziness, and skin irritations could all be signs that you are working in an unsafe environment. If you are suffering from any of these issues, you should see a doctor immediately.
Unsafe Walking Surfaces
Cluttered and slippery floors are another sign of a dangerous construction worksite. When floors are cluttered or wet, falls can occur easily. In addition, clutter in walkways can limit employees’ visibility and increase the risk of collisions between workers and equipment or workers and falling objects. Therefore, if you notice unsafe walking surfaces at your worksite, you should report them immediately.
Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is special equipment or clothing that is worn by construction workers for protection against injuries and infectious materials. Examples of PPE include protective gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, safety shoes, and other items designed to protect employees from workplace hazards. Often, employees fail to provide their employees with proper PPE, resulting in serious injuries and health conditions.
OSHA Violations
Finally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) establishes rules and standards that are designed to keep employees safe while on the job. Employers are required to abide by these requirements. If they fail to do so, they may be subject to punishment. Therefore, as a construction employee, if you notice any OSHA violations while on the job, you should report them immediately.
Contact Our Southern California Construction Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in California, you should contact an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible. At Ardalan & Associates, our experienced attorneys are here to help. When you come to us for assistance, we will put our experience and knowledge to work for you. We believe that injury victims should be properly compensated for their injuries. Therefore, when you come to us for assistance, we will aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Ardalan & Associates, PLC is a personal injury law firm based in Thousand Oaks, also serving all of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, and Orange County. We are committed to helping clients involved in personal injury accidents seek justice and navigate their legal journey.