Spring has arrived in New Jersey, bringing with it beautiful weather, budding trees, and, if you work in the construction industry, one of your busiest seasons of the year. While this springtime boom in construction work can be lucrative, it is also an incredibly dangerous time of year that comes with serious hazards. Below I’ll describe some of the most dangerous construction industries, including specific hazards to be aware of during the spring construction season. If you or a loved one suffers a construction-related injury, a Northern New Jersey construction accident lawyer at Buttafuoco & Associates is here for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are in need of help after a construction accident.
Injury Rates in the Construction Industry
According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, there were 2.8 recorded on-the-job injuries per 100 workers in the construction industry in 2019. That might not seem like a lot at first glance, but if you’re one of the two or three workers on the jobsite who is unlucky enough to sustain an injury, it can have serious implications on your quality of life, your income, and more.
Not only is construction among the most dangerous industries in the U.S., but the construction industry sees a significant number of on-the-job fatalities. Private construction industry fatalities increased five percent in 2019, according to the most recent BLS statistics.
Given how common construction site injuries are, knowing when to contact a Northern New Jersey construction accident lawyer is as sensible as wearing steel-toed boots on a jobsite.
Construction Hazards in the Spring
Spring doesn’t just mean warmer temperatures; it also means more dangerous conditions and an increased need to be diligent about your safety when you are on the job.
Spring rain can create slick surfaces, making the perfect conditions for an unexpected slip-and-fall. Rain may also turn a dirty construction site muddy, leaving walking surfaces slippery long after the showers have subsided.
Likewise, blustery spring winds can cause a worker to lose his balance or send unsecured objects such as heavy tools flying. Spring winds are especially problematic on any outdoor jobsite with multiple stories or scaffolding over 10 feet high. While not as common, lightning is potentially the most devastating springtime construction danger.
Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself safe from springtime construction hazards, including:
- Make sure your personal equipment is ready for the wet spring conditions. Boots and gloves should be slip resistant and waterproof. Rain gear is a must, and anti-fog glasses are helpful to ensure that you’re aware of the conditions in your environment.
- When working on high structures or scaffolding, ensure that you are using proper safety harnesses and perform all the recommended safety checks. Also, if applicable, make sure there are sufficient guardrails that meet local safety codes.
- Keep an eye out for inclement weather. You may even want to appoint a worker to watch for potentially dangerous weather conditions and stop work when necessary.
- Keep your boots and shoes clean and free of mud, especially when entering and exiting a building. It may seem like a small thing, but if it prevents one slip-and-fall, it will have been worth it.
- Regularly inspect locations in the job site where water might collect or would be hazardous. These can include trenches, walkways, or working areas more than 10 feet off the ground.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
Even a small injury can have a negative effect on your quality of life and take you off the job for a few days, impacting you financially. Larger injuries can be devastating to your entire life, as well as your family’s. If the worst happens and you suffer a construction workplace accident, you should consult a construction accident lawyer serving Northern New Jersey to consider your options and understand your rights. Buttafuoco & Associates has specialized in construction accidents for over 35 years and brings decades of experience to each and every case.
To learn more about how we may be able to help, get in touch at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
