Maximizing Safety for Construction Workers
In a tragic turn, a construction worker has died after being rescued by authorities at a worksite near the Orlando International Airport according to an article published recently by Spectrum 13 News. The worker who perished was one of two who had to be rescued after they became trapped in a pipe and submerged under water near an access road at the construction site located near State Road 528. Both workers were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment where, sadly, the 33-year-old was declared dead. While the specific cause of this tragedy remains unclear, authorities have asserted that workers were attempting to clear a drain when two workers fell into a hole that quickly filled with water. Sadly, the rescue that came twenty minutes later came too late for the worker who lost his life in this accident.
Understanding the Risks of Working in Construction
Unfortunately, the bulk of construction workers are probably well aware that the tragic example outlined above is far from the only scenario in which things can go wrong. According to statistics published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, approximately 5,250 workers died on the job in 2018. Of these grim workplace fatalities, more than 21 percent – equivalent to one in five worker deaths – were in construction. And this doesn’t even touch on the many more construction workers who suffered from injuries that year that didn’t result in their deaths.
Safety Tips for Construction Workers
The good news is that while some workplace construction accidents simply can’t be prevented, the chances of many others happening can be reduced or even eliminated altogether when workers undertake efforts to remain as safe as possible in the workplace. Construction workers should keep these safety tips in mind:
- Always wear personal protective equipment such as hardhats, safety glasses, and gloves
- Use the proper tools for their individual designated purposes only
- Be mindful of any tripping hazards or uneven surfaces and watch where you are walking
- Never attempt to operate vehicles or machinery unless you have obtained the proper license and been trained appropriately
- Always use proper form and wear a back brace when lifting heavy objects
- If working on the highway or where cars are present, use proper signage and abide by traffic rules
- Be extra mindful of using protective gear and remaining alert when working at any height that you could fall from
- Take all of your breaks as scheduled and offered
We Can Help You Construct a Successful Workers’ Compensation Claim
Unfortunately, a construction-related workplace accident can have devastating implications. In this stressful and overwhelming time, you owe it to yourself to turn to an attorney who can help you to understand your legal rights and seek all possible sources of compensation. As the Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates, we have dedicated ourselves to tirelessly representing the rights of those who have been injured while simply trying to make a living for their families. You can count on us to be by your side and help you maximize your rights. Contact us today to begin building a plan to secure the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
Resource:
mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2020/06/25/orlando-fire-rescues-two-workers-from-pipe-near-orlando-international-airport
