Nearly 1000 construction workers in the U.S. lost their lives in 2017 in work-related accidents with falls, in particular, as the number one cause. It is discomfiting that any safeguards these workers may have had in place failed them, resulting in deadly consequences. Intervention by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2017 mandating fall protection has made the construction industry safer, but not perfect. Thus, it is incumbent upon the vested parties to examine why fall protection can harm instead of help. Below are five ways fall protection may harm construction workers in Los Angeles.
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Equipment Fatigue
With continued use, safety equipment weakens over time. Thus, it must be inspected often to ensure its fitness for use and compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
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The Structural Integrity Of Fall Protection Supports Are Inadequate
The equipment has to be assessed to ensure safety. It is not enough to install a guardrail, toe boards or other safety equipment when working on roofs or otherwise high altitudes without a proper assessment of their pertinent efficacy. Guardrails must be strong enough to support the weight of the workers and accommodate slippery conditions and other potential hazards.
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Improperly Fitted Or Improper Use Of Fall Protection
Each worker should follow the manufacturer’s requirements when wearing or installing fall protection and use it for the purposes for which it was designed. Fall arrest systems can cause bodily injuries in an accident if worn incorrectly.
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Inadequate Training
Training is a vital part of fall protection. Yet, if the information is outdated or not kept up to industry standards, it may not give employees the necessary information to stay safe on the job. Training has to be ongoing and must adapt to the constantly changing environment of the construction worksite.
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Lack Of A Concrete Rescue Plan
If a geared-up worker survives a fall but is left spinning in high winds——or a myriad of other possible scenarios——rescue plans for such a situation should be in place prior to starting a job. While it may not be possible to plan for every possibility, having a plan in place for the most common of accidents will aid in a worker’s survival.
A Encino construction accident attorney can help. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction-related accident, contact a construction accident lawyer Los Angeles. Call the Farias Firm, PC which has a top Los Angeles construction accident attorney ready to assist. Farías Accident Injury Lawyer construction accident lawyer Los Angeles has a proven track record in getting the compensation an injured worker deserves. Call today.
Contact Our Los Angeles Construction Accident Attorneys For More Help:
At The Farias Firm, our personal injury lawyers Encino have the experience in both Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury law and know-how to help seek full compensation. Call us at (818) 222-2222 our numbers are impossible to forget!
