Crosta Law Office PLLC

Preventing falls on Washington construction sites

2023-10-16T15:39:53Z

Construction work comes with certain risks and inherent dangers that are simply part of doing physically demanding labor. If you are a construction worker, you are aware of ways that your job is physically challenging and how you face the risk of injury every day. However, you still have the right to a reasonably safe workplace and to do your job without suffering the effects of unnecessary risks and a lack of safety standards. Employers and site managers are responsible for doing everything possible to reduce the risk of injury on a job site. One of the most common types of accidents on job sites are falls, and these often result in serious or fatal injuries. By taking certain safety measures, it is possible to reduce the chance of a fall on a construction site.

Important safety steps on construction sites

Thankfully, reducing the chance of a fall is easier by implementing and enforcing certain safety measures on construction sites. Regardless of the nature of the individual project, one should treat a fall as a serious safety concern, and the following steps can make these types of events less likely:

Plan the work carefully, including having a strategy for the type of safety equipment that will be necessary to complete the job.
Train all employees to do the job correctly without unnecessary risk, as well as how to use the safety equipment.
Consider the conditions of the specific site and determine what plan will be necessary for the benefit of the employees.
Ensure that workers are using the right equipment for that specific job

Simple safety measures can make construction work better and safer for every employee on the job site, making it less likely that you or someone else will suffer a preventable injury. If you do suffer an injury while you are working, it is possible that you have grounds to seek financial recovery.

What legal options are available to you?

If you suffered an injury on a Washington construction site, it will be in your interests to determine what factors played a role in what happened to you. It is possible that you have grounds to pursue a civil claim against a third party in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. You do not want to leave any money on the table, and you can learn more about the options available to you by seeking an assessment of your case.

Staying as safe as reasonably possible on a construction site

2023-10-16T15:40:05Z

When you go to work each morning on a construction site, you are likely not thinking about all of the things that could place you in harm’s way. Construction work, while physically demanding, does have to be unnecessarily risky. Due to the physical demands of the job, the type of the equipment involved and other factors, it is especially important to be as safe as possible while working on any type of Washington construction project. With proper safety standards, adequate safety training and the provision of the necessary equipment, it is possible reduce the chance of construction accidents. If you are a construction worker who suffered an injury while at work, you know how significantly this type of event can affect your life. It is in your interests to learn about the specific options that may be available to you that could allow you to secure appropriate compensation for your losses.

Safety tips for all construction workers

A major component of staying as safe as possible on a construction site is awareness. Each worker should be aware of the things going on around him or her, noticing things that could be potential safety hazards. In addition to remaining vigilant, the following are practical safety tips that can help you stay as safe as reasonably possible:

Follow all posted signs and instructions on the site
Keep the site tidy by putting tools and gear away
Always wear safety gear provided by the employer
Use the appropriate equipment for the right task
Know the emergency response plan in case of an accident

Injured construction workers often suffer severe injuries that require extensive time away from work to recover. This means you may miss pay, all while your medical bills continue to add up. This can be financially devastating, and seeking the appropriate recovery will be critical to your long-term well-being.

A full and fair recovery

It is not easy to put the pieces back together and move forward after a work accident. It is possible your pain and suffering is the result of the reckless and negligent actions of a third-party. Third-party liability claims can be pursued in addition to other sources of compensation to which you may be eligible. An assessment of your case can help you understand the specific legal options available to you and how you can ensure that you are not leaving any money on the table.

Did you suffer a head injury while at work?

2023-10-16T15:40:13Z

When you go to work, you may not give much thought to what will happen if you suffer an injury while you are on the clock. You simply arrive at your place of employment, do your job and head home at the end of the day. However, you may find that these things are no longer simple or even possible in the event that you suffer a head injury while at work. Certain jobs, such as construction-related jobs, carry a higher risk for suffering this type of injury. Your job requirements may place you at an elevated chance of injury if you work in the construction field. It is in your interests to know how to protect yourself, what you can do if you suffer a head injury at work and the steps you need to take in order to secure appropriate compensation.

Different types of head injuries

Head injuries can range in type and severity, and the specific nature of the injury you are suffering from depends on the location of the impact, your health at the time of the impact and more. Some of the most common types of head injuries include:

Hemorrhage -- This is severe bleeding around the brain or bleeding within the brain tissue itself. Those who have this type of injury may experience nausea, headaches and an increase of pressure in the brain.
Concussion -- Perhaps the most common type of head injury, a concussion can cause lingering complications for weeks or months, including headaches, memory problems, difficulty sleeping and more.
Skull fracture -- This is when the bone surrounding the brain experiences a crack as a result of a severe impact. These injuries are also likely to cause damage to the brain itself.

These are only a few examples of the potentially severe impact that a head injury can have on someone who experienced a fall, blow to the head or some type of accident. The true nature of a head injury is not always apparent until days or weeks later.

Who is to blame?

If you suffered an injury while working on a Washington construction site, you have legal options available to you. It is possible that you have grounds to pursue compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits, but you may also have a valid reason to seek recompense through a civil claim. An assessment of your case will reveal how you can pursue the full and fair recovery to which you are entitled.

Working in the construction industry during the summer

2023-10-16T15:40:23Z

Those employed in certain industries, such as those that involve physical labor, face a certain risk for injury every time they go to work. In addition to the risk for an injury due to an accident, construction workers also face certain risks for heat-related injuries during the summer. It is critical for employers and contractors to provide their employees with the tools necessary to stay safe during the hottest months of the year, especially those who work outdoors. The risk of heat illnesses is not something to take lightly. Becoming overheated can lead to serious health effects, and if you suffer from this type of illness, you could find yourself struggling with serious issues that may affect your ability to work. With the right preparation and tools, you can avoid heat-related illness and do your job with a reasonable expectation of safety.

Heat and construction work

Construction work is a physically risky endeavor, especially in the summer when there is the added element of working outdoors in elevated temperatures. Some of the heat risks common on construction sites include:

Heat exhaustion -- This is a less-severe version of a heat stroke. Symptoms can include goosebumps, headache, cool skin, fatigue, nausea, pulse alteration and low blood pressure. Left untreated, heat exhaustion could turn into a heat stroke.
Heat stroke -- This happens when the body overheats to the point where it can no longer cool itself. This may lead to damage to the heart, kidney and other organs. Symptoms include confusion, fever, vomiting, rapid heart rate and red skin.

There are basic steps all employers and third parties can take to ensure construction workers are safe. First, it is important to build awareness around how to work safely in the heat and how to recognize signs of a heat-related illness. It is also critical to provide adequate water, allow for regular breaks and provide alternate scheduling that allows workers to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

What happens if you become sick?

If you become ill while working outdoors on a construction site, you have the right to seek the financial support required for your recovery. It is possible a third party contractor or other party is responsible for the job requirements that led to your illness. In this case, it would be appropriate to seek compensation through a civil claim against the responsible parties.

Caught-between accidents can have deadly consequences

2023-10-16T15:40:31Z

Construction sites can be dangerous places when there is a lack of safety measures and proper equipment use. Manual labor is a difficult job, often requiring the use of heavy machinery that can cause serious or fatal injuries when there is an improper use of machines, tools and other types of construction equipment. Some of the most significant risks associated with this type of equipment are related to caught-between or caught-in accidents.

Unguarded machinery, lack of supervision, failure to properly train workers and other lapses in safety can lead to detrimental consequences. In a caught-in or caught-between accident, a worker may have clothing or body parts caught inside or up against machines and equipment. The result can be serious or fatal injuries. In many cases, these incidents are avoidable with proper safety efforts and appropriate use of machinery.

Why do these types of accidents happen?

These types of accidents can happen for various reasons, and examples include standing in the swing radius of a crane arm, becoming stuck between equipment and a stationary object, pulled inside unguarded equipment and more. The use of any type of heavy equipment should follow training, a clear explanation of the task at hand and other necessary safety steps. Common reasons why caught-in or caught-between accidents happen include:

Unguarded machinery: Body parts can become caught in equipment, or clothing can become stuck, potentially resulting in harm to or loss of a limb.
Caught-between: Workers can become caught between any type of heavy equipment and a stationary object, such as a wall.
Excavation work: Workers can suffer serious or fatal injuries if walls cave in, trenches collapse or other accidents occur.
Caught-in: Workers could become stuck inside moving or heavy equipment from which they cannot remove themselves without assistance.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has clear procedures on how to avoid these types of accidents and keep construction workers as safe as reasonably possible when working near or with these types of machines.

Seeking recovery

If you suffered an injury on a Washington construction site, it is possible you are the victim of a preventable accident. A careful evaluation of your case could reveal if you have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party, such as the manufacturer of faulty equipment or other party. These types of cases are time-sensitive, and your quick action could help you pursue the recovery you deserve.

The risk for an electrical accident on construction sites

2023-10-16T15:40:38Z

If you work in construction, you understand that your job may come with certain risks. Physical labor and the use of heavy tools and machinery could make it more likely that you will experience some type of injury, which is why safety standards on any type of Washington construction site are critical. One of the most common reasons for accidents and most pressing needs for safety standards and practices is electrical shock. The use of machinery and tools requires electricity, and accidents involving electrical equipment have the potential to result in serious or fatal injuries. A survey of all work-related electrical accidents found that the majority of them took place in the construction industry. Most electrical accidents are preventable with proper caution, appropriate practices and properly maintained equipment.

Why do electrical accidents happen?

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the most common safety violations involving electricity included lockout and tagout procedures, wiring and failure to meet general electrical requirements. Statistics indicate that indirect or direct contact with live wires and electrical equipment was the most common reason for electricity-related fatalities on construction sites. This includes contact with electrical breakers, faulty equipment, transformers, junction boxes, light fixtures, control panels and more. The improper use and care for extension cords is also a common source of electrical accidents in construction. Because of the complex nature of this work and high level of skill required to safely work with electricity, those coming into direct contact with electricity should be highly trained professionals. However, many electrical accidents on construction sites are those who specialize in other areas, such as roofers, service workers and laborers. Electrical safety training is critical, and this instruction should be in the workers’ native language in order to ensure understanding.

Liability for electrical accidents

If you suffered an injury involving electricity on a construction site, you could have legal options available to you. While injured workers often have grounds to pursue financial recovery through a workers’ compensation claim, that is not the only course of action available to you. It may be appropriate for you to seek recompense through the civil justice system in the form of a third-party claim. Your injuries may be the result of faulty equipment or the negligence of a third party. A careful assessment of your case will help you understand the specific legal options available to you. You don’t want to leave any money on the table, which is why it may be helpful to learn more about how you can fight for the full and fair recovery you deserve.

Are you a victim of a struck-by accident on a construction site?

2023-10-16T15:40:46Z

If you work in construction, you know that you face a variety of challenges at work, and the nature of your job could place you at an increased risk for injuries. This is why safety on Washington construction sites is critical, and each employer should make it a priority to reduce accidents and keep workers as safe as reasonably possible. As an employee, it is in your interests to know about the most common construction site hazards and how to prevent them. One of the most common types of incidents on construction sites that result in injury are struck-by accidents. These occur when a heavy object, such as a moving vehicle, piece of equipment or falling object strikes a worker. Struck-by accidents are the second most common cause of fatalities on construction sites and the leading cause of injuries. In many cases, these accidents are completely preventable.

Preventing these types of accidents

Prevention is critical in struck-by accidents. These events often happen due to carelessness, lack of training and other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is possible to reduce the chance of these types of incidents from happening with the following steps:

Employers should provide comprehensive training on the proper use of all equipment.
All equipment should be properly maintained and functioning as intended.
All workers should have access to safety gear and protective clothing.
Secure all loads after moving them and avoid working under loads.
Ensure the proper security of all vehicles and moving equipment when not in use.

Struck-by accidents could be the result of the negligence of a third-party, such as faulty equipment, or other factors. If you are the victim of this type of workplace accident, you will find it beneficial to identify who or what could be to blame in order to understand the specific legal options available to you.

After an accident on a construction site

If you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident on a construction site, you may have various legal options available to you. While you could have grounds to seek support through a workers’ compensation claim, you may also have grounds to pursue compensation through a third-party claim. An assessment of your case can provide you with an understanding of the most appropriate course of action. Knowing your options ensures you do not leave any money on the table.

What hazards are you facing while working on a construction site?

2023-10-16T15:40:54Z

Construction is a field that requires hard physical work along with specialized knowledge and experience. If you are a Washington construction worker, you understand the specific skill that it takes to operate machinery, execute plans and navigate the complex process of building and engineering. You also know that this job can come with certain risks, especially when employers and others do not prioritize safety. Construction site safety should be a priority on every job site regardless of the nature of the project or what it involves. This includes everything from the implementation of safety requirements when doing certain tasks to using properly maintained, safe equipment. In order to do your job as safely as possible and avoid injuries, you may benefit from learning about the most common reasons for accidents on construction sites.

Common reasons for accidents

Accidents can happen for various reasons on construction sites, including the negligence or reckless actions of a third party. While the specific risks you are facing depend on the exact nature of the work you are doing and other factors, the most common reasons for construction site accidents include the following.

Falls are the number one reason for construction accidents, including falling from ladders, scaffolding and other heights.
A person struck by an object is another common reason for construction accidents, including the impact from a moving object, a construction vehicle and more.
Electrocution is a common hazard, often caused by improper and unsafe equipment purchased from and provided by a third party.
Machinery accidents are a common source for accidents on construction sites, including something crushing or running over someone.
Heat stress, burns and loud noises on construction sites can also lead to serious injuries, especially when there is a lack of safety standards and equipment.

Regardless of why your accident happened, it is in your interests to take immediate action to learn about how you can seek compensation for your losses, medical needs and other damages.

Holding liable third parties accountable

The negligence of a third party could be responsible for the circumstances that resulted in your construction accident. If you believe you are a victim, you may benefit from learning more about the legal options available to you, which could include the possibility of fighting for compensation through a civil claim. An assessment of the accident can help you understand the most appropriate course of action for you.

Crane malfunction can lead to serious injuries for workers

2023-10-16T15:41:02Z

Construction work comes with a range of risks, and workers face hazards each day that could result in physical injury. If you work in this field, you understand the inherent risks that come with doing your job, but you also know it is possible to do your work in relative safety with appropriate caution, training and equipment. Many accidents on construction sites are the result of faulty equipment and hazardous machines that put workers at an undue risk for injury. Overhead cranes are a common type of equipment used on Washington construction sites. These machines are necessary to move heavy items safely and construct certain types of structures. Because of their size and weight, it can be very dangerous when they malfunction or do not work correctly. If you work in construction, it may be helpful to understand the serious implications of a crane that is faulty or does not receive proper maintenance.

Common problems with overhead cranes

It is critical to use cranes only with the proper training, and these pieces of machinery should receive regular maintenance in order to ensure they are operating safely. Even minor problems with these machines can have detrimental consequences, leading to accidents and injuries. Some of the most common problems with overhead cranes on construction sites include:

Alignment issues that can lead to stress on the structure, derailment of the crane and additional wear on component parts of the crane
Damage or degradation to the wire rope can lead to loss of support for heavy items, stress on the overall system or even complete failure of the rope
Issues with the electrical components can affect the function of the crane, malfunction of certain controls of the crane, overheating of the machine and more
Bent or damaged hooks are dangerous in that they may not be able to support the weight of the loads, possibly dropping the load or causing it to shift dangerously.

If you suffered injuries in a crane accident on your Washington construction site, you could have grounds for a third-party claim. You may have the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries by holding the appropriate party accountable for issues that include negligent maintenance, poorly constructed equipment, faulty component parts and more. A careful assessment of your accident will reveal the specific legal options that could be available to you.

What hazards could pose a risk to you on a construction site?

2023-10-16T15:41:09Z

If you work in construction, you know there are certain aspects of your job that could pose a risk to your personal safety. Hazards on all types of Washington construction sites could lead to serious injuries that may leave you unable to work and support your family. After an accident on a job site, you may be unsure of how to move forward, cover your medical expenses and begin to put the pieces of your life back together after this traumatic event. Construction injuries are often the result of preventable factors and hazards that site managers could easily address or manage, such as the use of unsafe tools. It may be possible that your injuries are the result of the negligent or reckless actions of a third party. After an accident on a construction site, you may benefit from an explanation of the legal options available to you, which may include a third-party civil claim.

Common construction injuries

Unfortunately, construction accidents are often preventable with appropriate safety training, the provision of safety equipment, properly functioning tools and a prioritization of the well-being of workers. The four most common hazards that result in physical injuries on a job site include the following:

Many injuries happen because of heavy machinery or equipment striking a worker. This can also occur in accidents involving a moving vehicle, falling equipment or an impact with a stationary object.
Falls are a common problem on many job sites. Lack of proper safety restraints, unsafe ladders or improperly assembled scaffolding can all lead to accidents that can result in serious harm.
Serious injuries can occur when a worker becomes caught in between two objects or between a stationary object and a moving object, like a vehicle or heavy machinery.
Electrocution is a common hazard that can lead to injuries due to factors that may include unsafe power tools, improperly insulated electrical wire and other hazards.

An assessment of what happened to you can reveal the specific factors that played a role in your construction site accident. It is possible that a third party is accountable for the incident that left you injured. You don’t want to leave any money on the table that may be available to you, which is why you will find it beneficial to pursue an understanding of your legal options as soon as possible after your accident.