How to Avoid Construction Accident Claims

Construction involves the use of complex machinery and procedures that can result in accidents if top-notch standards are not observed. Even though some accidents can occur as misfortune, others are due to a party’s negligence. If you have employees working on your commercial or residential property, and one gets injured due to inattention, they may have grounds to take legal action against you. Besides the owner, other parties may also be liable for such claims, including equipment manufacturer, project manager, or construction company if you hired one.

Regardless, you need to provide first-line safety for anyone operating on your property. Here is how to avoid construction accident claims.

Hire Skilled Workers

It is beneficial to hire a professional construction company as they already have workers who will handle your project competently. They are also trained in vital safety measures to observe when working. In addition, construction firms likely have appropriate protection polices, such as liability insurance to cover employees when they are injured. Consequently, you may be protected from being held liable, particularly if you did everything possible to eliminate the chances of accidents.

If you want to work with independent workers, you should also get skilled ones. It will help to find a reliable contractor, possibly from online platforms, or you can reach out to a loved one who had a construction project before. Since contractors work with many workers, they will help you get experts without difficulties. The contractor will ensure everyone observes safety procedures, preventing injuries.

 Have a Strict Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Rule

You need to have a rule that requires everyone to wear PPE when working on the site. This includes high-visibility clothing, goggles, ear plugs, helmets, safety shoes, gloves, safety belts, and respiratory PPE. Note that these pieces should meet the required safety standards. You can hire a safety expert to inspect them.

Not only should the employees wear PPE, but also use them in an intended way. For instance, one should tie their helmet fittingly. Encourage them to report immediately if PPE doesn’t fit correctly or is damaged.

If you choose to hire a construction company, the workers will come with their own PPE. Conversely, if you opt to work with an independent contractor, they can provide the workers with the equipment if they have. If they don’t, you can rent from reliable providers in your region.

Install Warning Signs

Highly visible warning signs can help you prevent accidents on your construction site considerably since they protect workers, visitors, and passers-by. Examples of signage to place are mandatory, danger, caution, biological hazard, and safety instructions.

Posted signed should include rules that must be followed. For instance, wearing PPE at all times, only trained and certified experts should operate equipment, and visitors must report to the contractor or manager before moving around the site, among others.

Danger signs should warn people of potential hazards. For example, highly flammable materials should have signs that indicate so. The same applies to high voltage, sharp, and heavy products. Caution signs inform workers or visitors to stay alert when using a piece of equipment or walking around a particular area. Slippery signs fall under this category.

Biological hazard signs notify people of potential biological agents when handling containers or lab equipment. Furthermore, you need to have a list of safety instructions on your site. Put this sign in a strategic spot so that everyone who walks in can read them.

You should work closely with your chosen construction company or contractor to use the right colors when making these signs.

Construction site accidents can lead to severe injuries or death. You need to protect workers on your site, and in turn, steer clear of legal issues. The above-discussed tips can help you avoid construction accident claims on your commercial or residential project.

If you have a construction related issue and need to speak with an attorney, fill in the contact form below and we can put you in touch with an attorney who may be able to help.