Construction projects often go into full swing during the spring and summer months, which is great news for workers looking to jump on projects and get some work done. However, with more work being performed, the risk of accidents increases. Construction sites can be dangerous places and workers are in danger of getting hurt in a number of different ways.Our Atlanta work accident lawyers know that some of the top causes of workplace accidents on construction sites are fall accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently issued a Trade News Release about its efforts to prevent fatal falls in construction. The new efforts focus on raising awareness of the fall risk. OSHA also has a three part Fall Prevention Campaign of which every worker and employer should take notice.
The Steps to Fall Prevention
OSHA’s national outreach campaign to raise awareness of falls on construction sites is directed towards both workers and employers. Workers can make a point to follow OSHA’s tips for acting in a safe and responsible way when working at height.
However, ultimately the safety of a worksite is determined by an employer. An employer who provides top-quality equipment and who has adequate safety policies in place is going to have a major impact on reducing the risks of a fall. On the other hand, when an employer creates an unsafe workplace or allows safety violations, a worker could be in danger of falling no matter how careful he is when performing his job.
Employers, therefore, should be especially careful to pay attention to OSHA’s tips for fall prevention. OSHA’s three part plan for preventing falls on construction sites includes the following steps:
- Planning: Employers need to evaluate what safety equipment will be required to perform a job and should build the costs of the equipment into their bids. Employers must make all tools including the right equipment (and safe equipment) available on site. Workers should also plan ahead by making sure they have everything they need before getting started on doing any job.
- Providing. Employers must provide the right equipment to workers. This includes fall protection equipment, as well as the right types of safety gear, ladders and scaffolds.
- Training: Everyone on the job site should be trained in how to perform work safely. Workers need to be trained on how to use all of the equipment they need to use in order to do their jobs. There should also be training on the proper set-up of equipment and on hazard recognition.
OSHA has many materials that can be used by employers to offer training. Employers simply need to take the initiative to understand and comply with OSHA guidelines and to use the resources available to them. OSHA’s new campaign to publicize fall dangers may encourage employers to be proactive about preventing workplace injuries, thus potentially saving workers’ lives.
If you were the victim of a work accident in Atlanta, contact J. Franklin Burns, P.C., to speak with an experienced attorney. For a free consultation call 1-404-920-4708 today.