The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was enacted in 1970 to ensure the workplace follows standard safety practices to avoid injuries or deaths. According to this act, employers are required to provide safe working environments. Following these guidelines is very important when it comes to construction sites. A construction site is more prone to accidents. According to reports, around one in ten construction workers sustains an injury. So, it means annually, 15,000 employees get hurt in construction accidents.
You can file for compensation if you are hurt in a construction site accident. You must contact a construction accident attorney who will help you understand the legality of your case and defend your rights following an accident. Below is detailed information about why OSHA is vital at a construction site.
What are OSHA Safety Standards?
OSHA Safety Standards are the rules and laws that specify the procedures employers must use to ensure worker safety. These regulations limit exposure to hazardous chemicals, and employers must monitor the workplace to see if there are other hazards. They must also record all illnesses and workplace injuries and use safe practices.
Why is it Important?
Every worker has a right to work in a safe and secure environment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following the OSHA regulations has resulted in fewer fatal injuries. The following factors determine why every employee must follow the OSHA safety standards at the workplace.
Ensures a Safe Working Place
Under OSHA, the employee is required to provide a safe working place that is free of hazards. For example, in construction, scaffolding is used a lot. There is a risk of exposure to crashes, dust and debris, and even electrocution. According to OSHA standards, workers must wear hard hats, tool lanyards, and non-skid boots. Also, they should never use ladders or boxes on the scaffolding. The load at the top must not be over the limit.
Safety Tools and Equipment
Workers get access to safety tools and equipment. The employees learn about the safety regulations that apply to their job. One of the main reasons for worker fatalities in this industry is falls. So, the safety standards ensure workers have all the required equipment. These include safety nets, guardrails, and fall arrest systems. When working in excavations and confined spaces, maintaining safety standards is crucial.
When it comes to face, eyes, and head protection, one must maintain the safety types of equipment. Workers must wear face and eye protection if any loose particles, chemicals, or molten metal exist.
Steps to Take After Accident at the Construction Site
If you are involved in a construction site accident, there are a few things that you must follow:
- You must get immediate medical help for your injuries. This medical record will also help you if you file a compensation claim.
- Immediately inform your employer. This step is essential because if you inform your employer within the required time frame, they might not deny you your workers’ compensation.
- Note down the names of the workers present and anyone at the accident site, as they might act as witnesses for your case.
- Always try to get any evidence you can, such as taking photographs and videos of the accident.
Conclusion
Summing up, following the safety standards at the construction site ensure that the workers are working in a safe workplace. However, if the employee denies the workers’ compensation, consulting a lawyer significantly improves your possibility of obtaining a successful claim. They can structure the case since they are familiar with workplace injury cases.
