A construction worker was injured last month in a construction accident at Texas A&M University. According to first responders, the worker was thrown off a machine and into a hole in the ground when a piece of equipment malfunctioned. Fortunately, the worker’s condition is stable. The company managing the site, Brazos Paving, has not released any further information.
How Can Construction Workers Avoid a Construction Accident?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in ten construction workers sustain injuries each year. Falls are the leading cause of construction injuries, and fall safety standards are the most violated OSHA standard. Had this worker been wearing the proper fall protection gear, it is possible the worker would not have sustained injuries.
Moreover, many construction accidents occur when the construction equipment on hand is malfunctioning or defective. Construction equipment can take a beating, especially when exposed to extreme weather conditions. That said, employers are expected to inspect and maintain all construction equipment in order to ensure worker safety.
However, even when construction site managers keep on top of inspecting and maintaining equipment, it does little good when the construction equipment malfunctions due to a defective design caused by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for construction accidents to occur because the manufacturer of a machine cut corners and distributed a defective product.
Many Construction Accidents are Preventable
According to OSHA, the majority of workplace accidents are avoidable when employers spread awareness and enforce OSHA’s safety standards. The best way for construction workers and site managers to avoid a construction accident is to properly train all workers on how to use equipment and regularly inspect equipment to minimize the risk of an accident. Additionally, employers must provide all safety gear to each worker. Hopefully, Brazos Paving makes some improvements to better protect its workers.
The Law Offices of Aaron Allison is an Austin personal injury law firm that fights for workers injured in construction accidents.
