Whether you work as an electrician, carpenter, painter or general laborer, you need to remain vigilant on the job. Construction sites are very dangerous and many workers sustain serious injuries in accidents that occur on the job, some of which prove fatal. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls claim the lives of more construction workers than any other type of accident.
It is important to review some of the risk factors associated with falls and focus on all aspects of your recovery if you recently sustained an injury in such an accident.
The prevalence of falls in construction
The CDC states that more people lose their lives due to falls in the construction industry than any other industry, accounting for 51% of such falls across the U.S. During 2018, 320 construction workers lost their lives after falling down. Aside from the loss of life, far more construction workers suffer injuries after falling off of ladders and scaffolding or slipping on slick surfaces. Unfortunately, many more construction workers will sustain debilitating injuries after falling down, preventing them from working and creating financial burdens due to medical care and lost wages.
Preventing construction falls
Construction companies and workers need to focus on preventative measures to prevent falls. For example, those working on roofs, scaffolding and ladders must have proper equipment to stay safe and they also need appropriate training to use the equipment correctly and avoid dangers while working in high places. Careful planning is also essential and workers must realize various hazards that increase the likelihood of an accident (such as weather-related risks).
