If you or a loved one works on a construction site then you already know just how many myths there are about these types of worksites. Keep reading to learn about some of the more pervasive ones that can actually cause worksite accidents or make it more difficult for a person to get the compensation they need if they fall victim to one.
Myth: The Construction Industry is More Dangerous Than Ever Before
This is blatantly false. It is true that there are a higher number of deaths on worksites than in years past. However, there are also more people working in construction. While numbers may be trending in a disappointing direction, know that construction sites are still much safer than they were before OSHA standards were required.
Additionally, there are more and more safety options available to the average workplace. While those working on scaffolding 50 years ago had nothing but luck to protect them, there are hundreds of options today that can help prevent falls, notify work crews of falls, and protect a worker who falls.
Myth: PPE is Enough to Keep Me Safe
False. Yes, OSHA requires that personal protective equipment (PPE) is used and this can help reduce certain accidents in the workplace. However, employers must take it a step further. They must ensure that their staff knowns why PPE is necessary and how to use it. Employees cannot be allowed to simply “opt-out” because they find the equipment to be poorly fitting, uncomfortable, or unattractive.
Likewise, PPE should not be the only line of defense to keep workers safe. Employers also need to invest in machine guards, take administrative control to rotate tasks that can cause repetitive motion injuries, and take other similar steps to keep workers safe. PPE alone is not going to do it.
Myth: There Is No Need for Fall Protection Training Programs
OSHA is very clear that any employee that may be exposed to a fall danger must have fall protection training. They must know what protections they can use, how to carry out their tasks safely, and what to do if they are victims of a fall. If an employer does not provide this training to their employee, and said employee does fall, then the employer could be held liable for much more than workers’ compensation provides.
What to Do if You Are Injured on the Job
You may assume if you are injured on the job that your only option is workers’ compensation. That may not be true. There are advantages to going that route, namely that you do not have to prove fault, but you are also limited in the damages you can seek. To find out what your best options are, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
