Accidents that happen on construction sites can cause serious personal injuries and even fatal injuries, which is why it’s vital both companies and members of the public are aware of the hazards these sites present.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently launched a campaign to raise awareness on this issue and to help reduce the number of construction site accident claims. As part of the campaign, the HSE will make random, unannounced visits to sites to check the correct procedures are in place and guidelines are being followed with regard to working safely in high-risk environments. This includes assessing the tools and equipment as well as checking there is suitable protective clothing available for employees.
Safety in the construction industry should mean preventable accidents don’t occur. At the moment, this is simply not the case and there is a high number of construction accident claims being made as a result. During 2011/12, 49 construction employees died following an accident at work and 2,884 incurred serious injuries due to a site accident.
Companies within the construction industry have a legal obligation to ensure the site is safe for workers, which includes the physical space, equipment and tools, and the provision of training. Furthermore, numerous child accidents take place on construction sites due to poor security coupled with a child’s natural curiosity and the many dangers sites hold. This is why companies also need to ensure the site is secure, with fencing all the way round to prevent children and members of the public from gaining access.
However, accidents do unfortunately happen, especially in hazardous environments like construction sites – even when safety measures are in place – and you may a need to make an accident claim for compensation. If you have been injured due to a workplace accident that wasn’t your fault, be sure to make a note of the following details:
· Where, when and how the accident happened
· Names and addresses of witnesses
· Your symptoms following the accident
· Medical and associated costs
With site safety at the heart of the HSE’s message, this latest campaign should help to boost overall protection for workers on construction sites by ensuring companies are operating at the highest safety levels, as well as keep members of the public safe by ensuring sites are securely fenced off. As a result, the number of accidents, and therefore construction site accident claims, should fall.
