Managing Partner
Spring is a wonderful time of the year. It also happens to be a popular time for new construction projects. However, spring construction projects are not without their hazards. In fact, spring projects carry their own unique dangers. Unfortunately, many of these hazards result in serious injuries to construction workers—including death. Therefore, it is important for construction workers and construction employers to be aware of these dangers and take steps to avoid them. In this article, we explain how to navigate construction site accidents as spring projects begin.
Common Spring Construction Hazards
Even though spring is generally a better time for construction projects than winter, it is not without its hazards. Common spring construction hazards include:
Rain: The early weeks of spring are typically rainy, which can result in the accumulation of rainwater. Specifically, rainwater can accumulate on walkways, scaffolding, and ladders, creating slip hazards for construction workers. In addition, heavy spring rain can soften the ground, increasing the risks of trench collapses.
Mud: As snow begins to melt and rainfall increases, construction sites can become extremely muddy. This can cause employees, structures, and machinery to slip and cause serious accidents.
Lightning: Spring storms are often accompanied by lightning, which can strike construction workers who are exposed in open areas or working on tall structures, such as roofs.
Wind: Spring storms can also result in high winds, which can cause workers to fall from elevated heights and blow over equipment and unsecured objects, striking workers below.
Overexertion: The increase in sunshine and high temperatures in the spring can also result in overexertion injuries, such as heat stroke.
Spring Construction Safety Tips
Although the spring presents risks to workers, there are steps employees and employers can take to mitigate these dangers. Specifically, to avoid spring construction accidents, employees and employers can take the following steps:
- Ensure that everyone on the construction site wears appropriate personal protective equipment, including hardhats, clothing to protect from the elements, gloves, sunglasses, and slip-resistant/steel-toed footwear
- Install fall protection equipment, including catch nets, warning signs, railings, and harnesses for employees.
- Emphasize scaffold/ladder safety.
- Conduct frequent trench inspections and use reinforcing equipment to help prevent cave-ins.
Legal Options If You Are Injured in a Construction Site Accident
If you are hurt on a construction site during the spring, you may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits include payment for medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent disabilities. In addition, depending on the circumstances and the responsible parties, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Long Island Construction Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you should contact an experienced New York construction accident attorney as soon as possible. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our construction accident lawyers have the experience and skill necessary to protect your legal rights. Please contact us to arrange a consultation with a New York construction accident attorney.
