Two construction workers were airlifted and hospitalized after falling 20 feet from a bridge over Lake Houston, according to YourHoustonNews.com. The two were working on the bridge July 5 when they reportedly were pushed by a bucket of a construction vehicle.
The accident highlights a common source of injuries on construction sites. So common are falls in the workplace that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun a prevention campaign. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of deaths in construction.
Best Prevention Strategies
OSHA emphasizes that planning, providing the right equipment, and proper training are the three most important ways to prevent falls:
When working from heights, such as ladders, scaffolds, and roofs, employers must plan projects to ensure that the job is done safely. Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task.
Workers who are six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.
Different ladders and scaffolds are appropriate for different jobs. Always provide workers with the kind they need to get the job done safely. For roof work, there are many ways to prevent falls. If workers use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), provide a harness for each worker who needs to tie off to the anchor. Make sure the PFAS fits, and regularly inspect all fall protection equipment to ensure it’s still in good condition and safe to use.
Falls can be prevented when workers understand proper set-up and safe use of equipment, so they need training on the specific equipment they will use to complete the job. Employers must train workers in hazard recognition and in the care and safe use ladders, scaffolds, fall protection systems, and other equipment they’ll be using on the job.
Contact a Houston Area Construction Accident Attorney
As a construction worker, you know your field is a dangerous one. But this doesn’t lessen the impact of a serious accident. Houston construction accident attorney Kevin Krist represents people injured in workplace accidents and may be able to help you.
Contact the law offices of Kevin Krist today to discuss your case and the options available to you. Whether you fell and broke a bone or suffered more significant damage, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 281-677-3958 or fill out an online form to get started today.
