Work Accident Solicitors

Building Site and Construction Accidents

The construction industry is by its nature dangerous and has always caused a number of serious and often fatal injuries. Improvements in Health and Safety legislation have reduced the numbers, but there are still a large volume of construction accidents. This article explores some of the more common construction accidents in the workplace.

Ladders

Ladders are dangerous. When ladders are used to move between different levels on a construction site injury can be caused in a number of ways. One of the more serious injuries we have seen was when someone had failed to secure a ladder to the next level. As the user ascended the ladder it came away from the scaffolding causing him to fall over 30 feet to the floor, shattering his heel in the process.

Other injuries using ladders occur when someone is carrying equipment which is too heavy, causing them to fall away from the ladder, or when there is insufficient ladder protruding above the next level causing the user to miss their footing with nothing to hold onto.

Falling Debris

Another common cause of accidents is debris falling from a height landing on workers on lower levels or working on the ground levels. Depending on the item that is dropped (from wooden planks to brickwork) and the height it is dropped from, these accidents can cause severe injuries.

Falling From Heights

Due the nature of a construction site many workers are working at several storeys high. Roofers particularly are at risk from falling from a great height. If the fall is as a result of poorly constructed scaffolding or a defective roof you may be able to make a claim for compensation. This could also be the case if you have not been provided with the correct safety equipment or the right level and amount of training.

Machinery

If you are using power tools on a construction site these can lead to injury either through defects in the machinery itself, inadequate training or failure to provide the correct safety equipment.

Trips and Slips

Due to the amount of equipment on a construction site it is quite common for workers to slip or trip over discarded equipment or debris and suffer injury. This can be particularly hazardous if the trip or slip leads the victim to fall into holes on the site. Trips and slips are a common hazard on a building site, and whilst each employee must take all necessary action to prevent injury, if the employer has failed to take the necessary steps you will be able to make a claim for compensation.

Summary

A construction site is a dangerous place to work, but your employer must do all that they can to keep you safe. If they fail to discharge their duty to protect you and you suffer injury, you can make a claim for compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of earnings and any other expenses.

Free Workplace Accident Guide For You

We have created a guide to help you. This has been formed by answering the most commonly asked questions about workplace accidents. The guide explains all that you need to know about Work Accident Claims including answers to the following questions:

• Can you really make a claim and keep all of your compensation or is that just too good to be true?
• Will you lose your job if you make a claim?
• Does it cost you anything to make an enquiry if you decide not to pursue a claim?
• What does "No Win No Fee " really mean?
• What if you need treatment; will you have to wait for months?
• Should you choose a Claims Company or go straight to a Work Accident Claim Solicitor?

Request the guide now and you will receive it instantly and have the answer to all of these questions at your fingertips.