Construction Accidents

Injuries on Construction Sites

Construction sites are full of hazards. With dangerous machinery, heavy materials and vehicle present, they are a minefield for potential accidents to occur, especially with so many contractors, engineers and workers on site at any one time.

Employers have a duty to implement strict health and safety procedures to protect employees from harm (within practical reason). For construction sites, this would also include any visitors to the site and the general public’s safety.

Employees Responsibilities

An employee is expected to take a common sense approach to take care of themselves and anyone who may be affected by their actions. They should adhere to any warning signs and be aware of the potential hazards around them. Any training given should be adhered to including emergency procedures. Concerns regarding health and safety, especially anything which may cause immediate danger should be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate person or the danger removed immediately.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Suitable PPE should be provided and should be mandatory for all workers and visitors present on site and those doing specific tasks
• This includes head protection, safety footwear and hi visibility jackets

2. Ensure a safe site

• This involves robust planning and ensuring the safe organisation of a site
• Ensuring sites are kept in a clean and orderly condition
• Managing scaffolding and working at height
• Ensuring structural stability
• Safe supervision of cranes and safe systems of work
• Precautions against electrical accidents
• Fire safety planning and processes
• Appropriate planning and controls for mobile vehicles and machinery including separate traffic and pedestrian routes, clearly marked
• Correct management of the storage of materials and waste

3. Conduct risk assessments

• Regular risk assessments should be carried out to ensure risks are identified
• Risks should be eliminated as soon as possible or reduced to a safer level
• Scheduled risk assessments and inspections for aspects required by law such as scaffolding every 7 days
• Many hazards should be accompanied with warning signs
• Isolation of dangerous areas with signs indicating the danger of entry e.g. falling objects
• The right equipment should be used for the job at hand and not expose workers to unnecessary danger to cut costs or time
• Consider risks to the general public

4. Provide appropriate training

• Only those adequately trained to use machinery, heavy equipment and vehicles on site should do so
• All employees should receive adequate safety training and also adequate manual handling training
• Emergency procedures should be in place including rescue plans e.g. when working at height
• First aid equipment should be visible, available and a trained individual/s appointed to be the first aid representative/s. These names should be made available to the rest of the workforce

How Can Injury Lawyers UK Help?

We are a team of lawyers who have over 20 years of experience dealing with compensation claims against employers. We understand how stressful suffering an injury in the workplace can be and we, therefore, aim to take the hassle out of the legal process.

We guide you through the process using clear and plain English meaning you never have to feel confused by complicated legal jargon. We will guide you through each process step by step.

We always aim to get you the full amount of compensation you are entitled to so that you get the justice you deserve. We operate a no win, no fee policy meaning you do not owe us a fee unless we secure your compensation.

Contact us today to speak to one of our legal advisers. They will initially talk through your case and then advise regarding whether you could have a successful claim to be made. Just get in touch via one of the methods below.