Each year, thousands of injuries and many fatal accidents occur on construction sites. These accidents often involve the operator, but over half involve people on the ground – spotters, co-workers, and laborers. It is particularly important to follow construction site safety measures to avoid accidents and injuries.
Construction Site Safety Tips:
- Getting on and off equipment
Getting on and off the machine is one of the main causes of injury to equipment operators, forklift drivers and truck drivers. Check your gloves and boots. Clean off mud and dirt before climbing, and use “high grip” gloves for a secure hand hold.
- Loading/unloading equipment
Make sure the machine clears the ramps before turning. Keep people away from the sides of the machine during loading or unloading.
- Avoid people crowding the work area
Avoid crowds in the work area. When ready to start work, use the horn to warn people to stay back, stop the machine if needed, and always check before backing up the machine.
- Machine swing radius
Rope off the swing radius around the machine or otherwise secure it. Allow no spectators; use a spotter to keep clear all people.
- Operation on slopes
Caution is always required when operating on slopes. Know the limits of the machine. allow for surface conditions and do not push it.
- Overhead/buried obstructions
Be aware of overhead obstructions and underground utilities, including electrical lines, water, sewer, and gas. Definitively mark or warn of overhead lines or low clearances.
- Backing
Always check the machine perimeter before moving. When vision is impaired, have spotters guide you. Use wide angle mirrors. Use rear-mounted cameras and/or rear-mounted presence-sensing alarms.
- Instability or loss of load
All rigging attachments for lifting must be engineered for safety. Keep all people clear of a load being lifted or handled.
Danbury, Bridgeport, Greenwich & Stamford Construction Accident Attorney
If you or your loved one is injured in a construction site accident, contact our experienced and highly knowledgeable construction site injury lawyers at The Reinken Law firm in Connecticut. We have more than 30 years of experience handling construction accident cases in CT. We will evaluate and prepare your case so that you will receive the highest compensation. Call us today at 203-541-0090/800-987-8780.