Construction sites are a beehive of activity, bustling with workers wielding heavy machinery, power tools and construction materials. However, amidst this productivity lies the looming risk of accidents.
If injured in a construction site accident due to negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Some common construction site accidents occurring due to negligence include the following.
Fire outbreaks
Mishandling flammable materials, such as improperly storing or using combustible substances like gas or solvents, can lead to devastating fires on construction sites. Negligence in following proper storage and usage protocols, along with inadequate fire prevention measures like fire extinguisher availability and fire-resistant barriers, increases the risk of fire-related accidents.
Falling objects
When working in a construction site, you may be at risk of injury from falling objects due to negligence in securing materials and equipment properly. Objects like tools, debris or construction materials can accidentally fall from heights, endangering people below. Failure to implement adequate safety measures such as debris nets, toe boards and hard hat requirements increases the likelihood of accidents caused by falling objects.
Scaffold collapses
Scaffolds assist construction workers in accessing elevated work areas, but negligence in their assembly and maintenance can lead to catastrophic collapses. Failure to follow proper scaffold erection procedures such as inadequate bracing or improper anchoring, undermines the structural integrity of scaffolds, posing significant risks to people’s safety.
Electrocution
Construction sites usually involve extensive electrical work, making them prone to electrocution accidents resulting from negligence in handling electrical systems and equipment. Failure to properly identify and mark live wires, inadequate insulation of electrical components and using damaged or faulty electrical tools increase the risk of electrocution incidents.
If you are a victim of a construction site accident due to negligence, legal guidance can help you better understand your options for compensation.