The construction industry is very dangerous, and those that are often working on rooftops or scaffolding are at an increased risk for a horrible falling accident. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from roofs can be easily prevented. OSHA put together a fall prevention fact sheet to help guide construction workers and show them how to be careful. OSHA says that workers are safer if they refuse to disconnect from their lifelines while working at high heights. Also, they should be cautious to avoid working around unprotected openings or skylights.
Contractors should be cautious to cover these open areas on roofs when workers are present. Also, all contractors or employers should be cautious to make sure that all equipment is working well. Defective equipment can snap and break when it is most essential, resulting in a horrible fall. OSHA asks that all employers plan ahead to get all jobs done safely and then provide the right roof equipment to get the job done.
As well, it is important that contractors train all workers to use equipment safely so that they can get the job done promptly and feel secure. Overseers at construction sites should be held responsible to inspect all fall protection equipment before use and make sure that workers are using guardrails and lifelines when they are high up. Also, supervisors need to make sure that all construction workers have a well-fitting harness if they are at a height where a harness is necessary.
By being careful and cautious and creating workspaces where safety is the primary concern, workers will be safer and falls will be prevented. If you are injured in a roofing fall during a construction accident, then you may be able to seek compensation if you believe your supervisor was to blame. Talk to a New York workers’ compensation attorney at Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman today for more information.