Heavy Machinery Poses Injury Risk for Construction Workers

 Posted on April 14, 2020 in Construction Accidents

A construction worksite has plenty of dangerous equipment that can cause severe injury or death if workers are not careful. Some of the most dangerous equipment is heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes, dump trucks, and excavators. When used safely, these machines are highly useful because of their ability to complete large-scale tasks in an efficient manner. When accidents happen, workers can suffer broken bones, severed limbs, and traumatic brain and spine injuries. If you have been injured by heavy construction machinery, you may be eligible for personal injury compensation.

Staying Safe

Most construction workers are appropriately cautious when around heavy machinery, but some accidents happen because a worker was being careless or reckless. Making a mistake with a machine could cause injury to yourself or others. You need to take safety precautions in order to protect everyone on the construction site:

• Do not operate heavy machinery that you have not been trained to use or are not comfortable with.
• Be cautious when entering and exiting the machine to avoid falls.
• Stay focused on operating the machinery and avoid distractions, such as your phone.
• Do not operate the machinery if you are impaired, such as feeling drowsy or sick.
• Always use safety equipment when on or near the machinery, even if for just a short time.
• If moving the machine, communicate with a spotter on the ground who can check in your blind spots.
• When driving the machine, stick to the designated safe routes.
• If working on the ground, keep a safe distance from the machine and stay aware of its location.

Injury Compensation Options

Many construction workers who are injured on the job are limited to claiming workers’ compensation benefits. You do not have to prove negligence when filing for workers’ compensation, but there is a cap on the amount of compensation you can receive. Sometimes, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party who was liable for your injury. For instance:

• The company that manufactured the heavy machinery would be liable if a defect caused your accident.
• A company that rented or loaned the machine to your employer may be liable if they were negligent in maintaining the machine.
• If you are the employee of a subcontractor, you can hold the general contractor liable for unsafe work conditions that caused your injury.

Contact a Barrington Personal Injury Lawyer

Unlike workers’ compensation, there are no limits on what you can receive in a personal injury lawsuit, including damages for pain and suffering. A Barrington, Illinois, personal injury attorney at Joseph M. Lucas & Associates, LLC, can help you file a third-party lawsuit for your construction injury. To schedule a free consultation, call 847-381-8700.

Source:

https://www.ehstoday.com/construction/article/21916623/5-tips-to-safely-operate-heavy-machinery