Construction accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. One of the leading causes of construction accidents is falls from heights. When an individual suffers from construction accidents, he or she might be eligible to receive workers’ compensation.
The Main Causes of Construction Accidents in Texas
Defective Tools, Equipment, and Machines
Defective tools, equipment, and machines are Texas’s most common cause of construction accidents. Defective tools and equipment can be as simple as a nail gun that doesn’t fire correctly or as complex as a faulty scaffolding system. Defects can also be present in materials such as concrete or lumber—for example, if the strength rating on a beam is incorrect or if there is something wrong with the glue used to install it.
Inadequate Training and Supervision
Inadequate training and supervision are another major cause of construction accidents in Texas. If workers aren’t properly trained to use equipment or perform a task, they could easily make mistakes that lead to injuries. In addition, if managers don’t provide adequate supervision of their staff members, it becomes more likely that they’ll make mistakes, too—and those mistakes could result in injury or death.
Hazardous and Unsafe Working Conditions
There are many different types of hazards, including:
Fall Hazards:
Falls can occur when workers fall from heights or down stairs, ladders, or scaffolding. Falls can also occur when workers trip on loose items on the ground.
Slips, Trips, and Falls:
Slips, trips, and falls can occur when workers walk in water or oil that has not been cleaned up properly. When there are holes or cracks in floors or sidewalks; from slippery surfaces caused by weather conditions (such as ice); from walking across uneven terrain or over uneven surfaces; from poor lighting conditions; and/or from poor maintenance of floors/walkways/traffic areas around the worksite.
Electrical Hazards:
Electrical hazards can occur when electrical equipment is not properly maintained or installed by qualified professionals if the electrical system is overloaded when wires are left exposed to damage during construction activities.
Poor Communication
Poor communication is a major factor in construction accidents. When workers do not know what to expect from their supervisors or other workers, they may be unprepared for what happens on the job site. This can lead to improper planning and execution of work activities. In addition, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings between workers that may cause them to make careless mistakes or fail to follow safety guidelines.
The Process of Claiming Damages in Texas
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you should get the compensation you deserve. Here’s how to claim medical damages after a construction accident in Texas:
- Gather all the information you can about your accident and injuries.
- If you were working onsite at the time of your accident, get statements from anyone who witnessed it and make sure they are willing to testify in court.
- Contact an attorney who specializes in construction accidents—they’ll know what information is needed and how best to gather it.
- File a formal complaint with your employer or contractor within 30 days of your injury (even if you don’t think anything will come of it).
Construction sites are, by their very nature, dangerous places. Even so, many accidents could be prevented via better site organization and planning. At the same time, foremen have an obligation to make sure all of their workers can perform a specific job safely. For example, someone who has not been trained to do so should not operate heavy machinery or man one of the dangerous jobs that require a certain amount of experience.
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