Preventing Construction Accidents

Those badly injured as a result of a construction accident, which was their employer's fault, can make construction accident claims, but it's far better if accidents can be prevented from happening in the first place. Usually the responsibility for preventing construction accidents lies with the employer.

There are many potential risks on a building or construction site and every employer therefore knows that extra care must be taken in preventing construction accidents. Employers should all be aware of their health and safety requirements, which are set out by the government and other bodies. If they aren't aware, they are leaving themselves open to construction accident claims.

Safety regulations and construction accident claims

Statutory safety regulations, put in place by the Government's Health and Safety Commission and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are there to help with preventing construction injuries in the constantly changing working environment of the construction site.

There is also the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, which aims to help with preventing construction accidents and to make workplaces such as construction sites healthier, safer and more productive.

Regulations prescribed by these bodies include specific rules on how a construction site should be run. If these regulations aren't adhered to, employers could see construction accident claims brought against them.

Preventing construction accident claims

Slips trips and falls are the most common type of workplace accidents, so taking steps to avoid this type of accident is a good place to start. Reducing the risks of slips, trips and falls on a construction site is relatively straightforward, so there's no excuse for an employer to ignore their responsibilities.

Simple steps the employer or site manager can take include ensuring all walkways are kept clear from materials or other obstructions, and making sure only those in appropriate safety footwear are allowed on-site. 

In order to help prevent construction injuries, employers must also supply special training to construction workers, starting with a site induction, as well as safe equipment, protective clothing and up-to-date advice and information on health and safety rules and regulations.

Employees must also be advised to take regular breaks, as prescribed by law, as accidents can sometimes be the result of lack of concentration on the part of the worker. Construction accident claims can be brought against employers who schedule long shifts without adequate breaks.

All employers and employees must be vigilant when it comes to health and safety, as construction accidents have the potential to be extremely serious. If an employer has failed to carry out the prescribed health and safety procedures for preventing construction accidents, resulting in construction injuries, the victim or victims may have legitimate construction accident claims.