Falling from height on a construction site is one hazard that can maim or kill workers and is perhaps the most likely event to result in a fatality. Because scaffold builders and others work hundreds of feet off the ground, their lives are particularly at risk with even one misstep.
Construction crews all have their own shudder-inducing tales of colleagues who “walked air” on some random Wednesday afternoon. Yet they know that they, too, are but a stutter-step away from a similar fate.
Safety should be a component of every job
Construction jobs should prioritize safety over bottom lines. But in the real world, that may unfortunately not always be the case. Ultimately, each person on that ladder or scaffolding is responsible for ensuring that they make it down to go home each night.
Tips to keep you safer when you’re working
Construction workers might benefit from the following construction safety tips:
- If you are working at height, invest in quality footwear with steel toes that won’t slip on ladders or surfaces.
- Use lanyards to tie off tools.
- Use three-point contacts at all times when on elevated surfaces.
These tips are just a few of the steps workers can take to protect themselves and their co-workers on the job site.
If a fall does happen
It may bring healing to broken-hearted loved ones to seek compensation for your loss of life in a fatal workplace accident. While no amount of money could ever replace your physical presence and emotional support, your loved ones’ lives could be made easier by a workers’ compensation settlement or judgment.