Understanding How Struck-by-Objects Accidents On The Job In Florida Occur
Did you know that one of the leading causes of construction-related deaths involve struck-by-objects? It’s true. Approximately 75 percent of struck-by deaths involve heavy equipment such as cranes or trucks, according to OSHA. Unfortunately, many people on construction sites are in danger of such accidents, injuries and fatalities.
Statistics indicate that the three main ways struck-by accidents and injuries occur include:
- Vehicles
- Flying objects or falling objects
- Constructing masonry walls
How Do Struck-by Vehicle Accidents Occur?
There are many ways that construction workers can get injured in struck-by vehicle accidents on the job in Florida. For example, a construction worker can get struck by a backhoe, car, truck, or can get pinned between a vehicle and a wall.
If working around large vehicles like cranes or trucks, it is important that workers check that they are in a safe condition before operating them each shift. Also, each vehicle should have a rollover protective structure. Because large vehicles are heavy and have large blind spots, it is critical that operators make sure the area around the vehicle is clear before using the lifting or dumping devices to avoid any workplace injuries. Parking brakes should always be used when heavy equipment and vehicles are parked, and loader buckets, scraper blades and other attachments should be lowered when the equipment is not in use.
How Do Construction Workers Get Injured by Falling or Flying Objects?
When construction workers are working beneath cranes, they are at risk of being injured. Additionally, when work is being performed overhead things like tools could be pushed off a work area and become airborne. As a result, construction workers suffer injuries. Often these injuries occur to the head, causing concussions, traumatic brain injury, or death.
In order to reduce falling object accidents and injuries, workers need to be careful when using tools when working from heights, use guardrails and debris nets, and post warning signs below the work area. Additionally, everyone should wear hard hats on job sites.
Dangers Associated with Constructing Masonry Walls
When construction workers are involved in constructing concrete and masonry walls, they are especially at risk for being injured in a struck-by accident. This occurs when using lifting equipment is required to position slabs used to support the heavy loads.
In order to stay safe when using jacks or lifting equipment involved in constructing masonry walls, it is essential to make sure the concrete has been tested to support a certain strength, structures are braced correctly, and equipment isn’t loaded beyond their limits.
If you have been injured in a construction struck-by accident, it is important that you speak with a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney in South Florida. You might be entitled to more compensation than what your employer is telling you. Learn more about your rights to a financial recovery by calling the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 954-677-0155 for a free consultation.
