Drilling Injuries on Construction Sites
Drilling safety is a serious issue on South Florida construction sites, and drilling work can result in a wide range of injuries if safety matters are not handled adequately on the construction site. There are many different types of drills that can be operated on different kinds of construction sites, from hand-operated power drills to vehicle-mounted drilling rigs. Regardless of whether your injuries resulted from a smaller hand-held drill to a large piece of vehicle-mounted machinery, you may be eligible to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. Our Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyers can tell you more about how these injuries occur and what steps you should take in the aftermath of a drilling accident.
Common Types of Serious Drilling Safety Risks
What are some of the most common and serious safety risks that exist in drilling work on construction sites? According to Safety Culture, it is essential to be aware of the following hazards:
- Dangerous weather conditions: Using large drills in inclement weather, as well as in “harsh” conditions that may include extreme heat, can result in the degradation and even the complete malfunction or collapse of a large piece of drilling machinery. When this happens, construction workers can suffer severe struck-by or caught-between injuries.
- Fires and/or explosions: When drills are used in oil and gas work, or when they are used in enclosed spaces where they could come into contact with gas lines, there are serious risks of fires and/or explosions. As Safety Culture explains, a “tiny spark or leak can easily lead to a major disaster.”
- Electric shock and electrical risks: Since drills of all sizes require electricity for operation, there are constant risks of electric shock whenever construction workers are using drills. Accordingly, “all electrical equipment must be correctly insulated and grounded before being used by workers to reduce the risk of injury.”
What to Do After a Drilling Injury on a Construction Site
If you are injured in a drilling incident on a construction site, you will need to follow certain steps in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage. According to the Florida Statutes and best practices after a workplace injury on a construction site, you should do the following:
- Gather documentation of the accident as best as you can at the scene where it occurred, including photographs, video, and witness information;
- Report your injury to your employer as quickly as possible, but at least before 30 days have passed;
- Seek emergency medical attention if necessary (an initial emergency visit can be with any doctor or health care provider);
- Obtain follow-up medical care with an approved provider; and
- Get in touch with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can assist you with your case.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Assistance
Anyone who has been injured in a drilling incident on a construction site, or who has lost a loved one, should reach out to our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. about seeking compensation. As we have discussed, drilling safety is extremely important on construction sites, and when safety issues are not properly addressed, construction workers can sustain debilitating and deadly injuries. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn more about how we can help you to seek the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html
osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3931.pdf
safetyculture.com/topics/drilling-safety/
