Work-related Injuries are more common than you might think. In 2019, 5,333 people died on the job, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. In addition to the tragedy of losing a loved one, many of these victims’ families faced financial hardship due to the loss of income.
More work-related fatalities happen in the construction industry than any other profession. Worksites are peppered with hazards such as exposed wiring, flimsy scaffolding, and heavy machinery. For this reason, employees are required to wear protective gear to prevent injuries and reduce their severity.
Unfortunately, recovering compensation after a construction injury can be a legally complex process. If you or a loved one was injured on the job in Arizona, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm.
A Scottsdale personal-injury lawyer can assess your claim to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and other damages. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Here are four safety items on construction sites that can prevent injuries and save lives:
- Appropriate Footwear
Construction workers should always wear comfortable, heavy-duty work shoes or protective boots. Footwear with metal toes can stop a heavy object or fallen item from crushing your feet.
Protective footwear comes with slip-resistant soles, grip enhancers and even puncture-proof designs. They can also prevent ankle fractures and sprains if they offer additional support for these joints.
- Protective Eyewear and Face Masks
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 2,000 eye injuries occur on the job every day. It is compulsory to wear safety glasses and face shields when performing certain tasks such as grinding, metal cutting and welding.
It is the company’s responsibility to ensure workers have face gear for protection. If not, then the company must provide it and enforce its use.
- Safety Gloves
Finger amputation is a common construction-related injury. The hands are at risk of being crushed, burned, cut and more.
Safety gloves can prevent these injuries or reduce their severity. Make sure you have a pair that fits comfortably and is appropriate for the job that you are performing. Certain jobs require specific gloves such as insulation gloves, welding gloves or heavy-duty rubber designs.
- Hardhats
It is compulsory for workers to wear hardhats on construction sites. Even visitors must don them.
There is an almost constant risk of workers dropping equipment, tools and materials from above, and the likelihood of a serious head injury is high if you do not protect your head. Hardhats prevent devastating injuries such as paralysis, neck fractures and brain damage.
What does Arizona law say about protective gear?
It is illegal to perform dangerous work without safety equipment. If an employee has his or her own protective gear, the employer has the responsibility of ensuring its adequacy, maintenance, and replacement. Companies do not have to provide workers with ordinary clothes, but whenever necessary, it is their duty either to purchase protective clothing for employees or to ensure it is available.
If you suffered an injury while performing a work-related duty, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A Scottsdale accident attorney can gather evidence, structure your claim, handle settlement negotiations, and litigate your case if it goes to trial. Schedule a consultation today by calling 480-951-9700.