9 Major Concerns About Health and Safety on Construction Sites in Florida

Construction work can be dangerous. Every day, workers face a wide range of health and safety risks on the job. As a workers’ compensation law firm serving clients in Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding areas, we understand the unique challenges workers face when it comes to health and safety on construction sites. From falls and lacerations to injuries from faulty equipment, being a construction worker can have serious, long-lasting consequences for workers and their families.

In this blog, we’ll explore 9 major concerns about health and safety on construction sites in Florida. By understanding these issues, construction workers, site managers, and business owners can create safer work environments and protect those who build our state.

1. Operation of Heavy Machinery Without Proper Training

One of the biggest health and safety concerns on construction sites in Florida is the operation of heavy machinery without proper training. According to the Florida Department of Health, many deaths in the state involve the misuse or improper operation of cranes, forklifts, excavators, and other heavy equipment. Crushed limbs, struck-by incidents, and rollovers are all common outcomes when construction workers operate equipment they are not qualified to use.

2. Failure to Communicate Potential Dangers

Another critical concern for health and safety on Florida construction sites is the failure to effectively communicate potential dangers. Without clear communication from site managers and supervisors, construction workers may be unaware of dangerous conditions, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. If you’ve been injured on a job site because someone failed to communicate a hazard, consult a Florida workers’ compensation attorney.

3. Lack of Protective Gear

The failure to provide and require the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is another major concern. Hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and other vital protective gear shield workers from falls, impacts, and other risks. Without this equipment, employees increase their chances of having a serious injury. If you’ve been hurt on the job due to a lack of protective gear, consulting a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

4. Missing Fall Protection Measures and Improper Use of Scaffolding

Falls from heights are a leading cause of construction-related fatalities and serious injuries in Florida. In fact, a recent report by the Florida Department of Health found that falls accounted for over 30% of all construction worker deaths in the state.

Ensuring proper fall protection measures, such as guard rails, safety harnesses, and the structural integrity of scaffolding, protects workers on elevated job sites. The failure to implement these necessary precautions or the improper use of scaffolding can have devastating consequences.

5. Being Struck by an Object

Whether building materials, tools, or heavy machinery, the potential for serious injury or even death is high when a worker is struck by an object. Site managers must enforce strict protocols for securing materials, establishing designated walkways, and maintaining a clean, organized work environment to minimize the dangers posed by falling or flying objects. Failing to take these precautions can have devastating consequences.

If you’ve been injured on a job site after being struck by an object, contact an experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ comp lawyer to explore your options.

6. Structurally Unstable Stairways and Ladders

As previously mentioned, nearly one-third of all construction site fatalities in Florida occur due to a lack of fall protection measures. The use of unstable stairways and ladders account for many of these incidents. Proper installation, maintenance, and weight-bearing capacity help ensure the safety of these structures. Failure to meet safety standards can lead to catastrophic falls, which could potentially result in debilitating injuries such as spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, and even death.

7. Getting Caught Between Hazards

Construction workers face the constant risk of becoming trapped or crushed between heavy machinery, materials, or other objects on the job site. This is commonly referred to as the “caught-between” hazard, and it can lead to severe, life-altering injuries, such as broken bones, internal organ damage, and amputations. Maintaining a well-organized work environment, with clear pathways and proper storage of materials, helps to prevent these types of incidents.

8. Electrical Hazards

Exposure to live electrical wiring, panels, and equipment on construction sites poses a significant threat. Electrocution and electrical burns can result in serious injuries, including cardiac arrest, nerve damage, and severe disfigurement. Site supervisors must ensure that all electrical work is performed by licensed professionals, that proper lockout/tagout procedures are followed, and that workers receive comprehensive training on identifying and avoiding electrical dangers.

If you’ve been injured at work due to an electrical hazard and a lack of proper safety precautions, consult a Florida workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.

9. Crane Accidents

Towering over all other pieces of heavy machinery, cranes are an essential part of many construction operations. However, the sheer size and power of these machines also make them inherently dangerous when not operated properly. Crane accidents can have catastrophic consequences, including crushed limbs, structural collapses, and death.

Proper training, strict safety protocols, and meticulous maintenance are non-negotiable for mitigating the risks associated with crane use. Sadly, many preventable crane-related accidents continue to occur, leaving injured workers and their families to grapple with the aftermath.

Injured at Work? Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Comp Lawyer, David M. Benenfeld, Is Ready to Help

At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. in Sunrise, Florida, we right wrongs for individuals in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and its surrounding areas. If you’ve been injured, you’re not alone. Our dedicated legal team is here to help and here for you every step of the way. With our legal team, we can help you concentrate on your recovery from your work-related injury with peace of mind. Contact us now at (561) 960-5515(561) 960-5515 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.

At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, If You’ve Been Hurt – We Can Help!

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