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Hazards Found on Construction Sites

Posted on behalf of James Lynch on August 27, 2018  in Workers' Compensation News. Updated on February 24, 2022

construction worker holding helmetIn the construction industry, the fatal injury rate is higher than the national average for every other industry, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Often, many work-related accidents in the construction industry are caused by hazards found on construction sites.

Employers have an obligation to keep workers safe by clearing known hazards from construction sites. If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction accident, contact Lynch Law Firm, PC to schedule a free consultation.

Our New Jersey construction accident lawyers will help you determine if your injury resulted from another’s negligence and entitles you to compensation. All of our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you only have to pay us if we recover compensation for your claim. There is no risk in contacting us to find out if you have a case.

Why Workplace Hazards Are Dangerous

Workplace hazards are a danger to workers and put them at risk of suffering an injury or death. There are several types of hazards that could be present on a construction site, depending on the type of work being performed.

Safety Hazards

Safety hazards on construction sites encompass all dangerous conditions that could cause illness, injury or death. Safety hazards can stem from the location where the work is performed, such as at height or within confined areas, or equipment and conditions of the jobsite.

Some of the most common types of safety hazards found on construction sites include:

  • Conditions that could cause trips or falls on walking surfaces, such as water or cords across flooring or uneven surfaces.
  • Moving objects including vehicles, construction machinery and overhead lifting equipment.
  • Height risks, such as raised work areas, ladders, roofs and scaffolding, leading to fall injuries.
  • Machinery without protections that could cause a worker or a worker’s body parts to be pulled into the equipment, trapped, or dislocated.
  • Electrical hazards such as frayed cords, absent grounding pins and exposed wires.
  • Confined spaces putting workers at risk of exposure to toxins or oxygen-deficient environments, such as trenches or tanks.

Ergonomic Hazards

Ergonomic hazards on construction sites are those that put strain on the body, and may include:

  • Repetitive motions using arms, hands or legs, causing injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Work stations or chairs that are improperly or awkwardly positioned
  • Frequent or repetitive lifting
  • Ongoing exposure to vibrations, such as those caused by pneumatic tools, including jackhammers
  • Being required to use excessive force frequently, leading to sprain and strain injuries

The effects of such hazards may go unnoticed for a few days before the injured worker begins to feel the pain they cause. Long-term exposure to ergonomic hazards can lead to serious illnesses or medical conditions.

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards on jobsites are those that can cause harm to the body, whether direct contact with the body is made or not. These hazards are related to the environment and conditions on the jobsite.

The following are types of physical hazards that are often found on construction sites:

  • Radiation from ionizing or non-ionizing waves, including microwaves, radio waves and electromagnetic waves
  • Exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures
  • Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays
  • Exposure to loud noises above OSHA’s exposure limit of 90 A-weighted decibels over an eight-hour period, which can cause hearing loss

Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards exist whenever construction workers are required to handle chemicals on the job, such as:

  • Cleaning products
  • Paints
  • Chemicals in containers that are unlabeled
  • Solvents and acids
  • Pesticides
  • Flammable materials

While some chemicals are relatively safe, others are extremely toxic. Each person’s reactions to chemical exposure varies, and may cause workers to suffer illness, breathing difficulties, skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured on-the-job due to any of these common construction site hazards, Lynch Law Firm, PC will work to secure the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Request a free, no obligation consultation today with our New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers and learn about the legal options that may be available to you. Our law firm charges no upfront fees, and payment is only due if we recover compensation in your case.

Call (800) 518-0508 today.

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

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