Making the Construction Industry Safer in 2023
As we close out 2022 and get ready for 2023, it’s a good time to look back at what’s happened and what is yet to come. Construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, accounting for a significant amount of workplace fatalities and the top source of OSHA violations. Making construction work zones safer for employees must be a top priority heading into the New Year.
If you’ve been injured while working on a construction site, it’s crucial to talk to an attorney now. You could be entitled to compensation. The team at Pisegna & Zimmerman makes it easy to get the help you need. We are Zoom-ready if you prefer to meet remotely, and with DocuSign, you don’t even have to leave your home to sign legal documents. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 818-888-8888.
There are several ways construction site foremen, managers, and business owners can improve safety outcomes on the job.
Put Safety First – While most construction managers claim to put safety first, it’s rare to actually see it in practice. Putting safety first means having the right amount of people on hand for a job, delaying tasks or projects when the weather is unsafe, and accepting that a project will take longer than expected when safe work is prioritized. Committing to workplace safety is the first step.
Address the Unique Needs of Each Project – Construction companies should have a broad set of safety protocols that apply to every construction project and worksite. However, it’s important to go beyond that and create targeted safety plans for every project and worksite. By tailoring safety protocols and expectations to each location, you account for the different equipment and hazards found at each worksite.
Focus on Intensive Training – A number of construction companies skimp on training, especially when it comes to reviewing safety protocols. Time spent training is time that isn’t being spent earning the company money, after all. Frequent reviews of safety protocols and updates on new safety gear make the workplace safer for everyone, so they should be a top priority for leadership. By ensuring that employees get the training they need to make the workplace safer, you show employees that you value their safety and support them in making safe choices.
Encourage Accountability – Employees may worry about reporting safety concerns in the workplace if those concerns are swept under the rug. Even worse, employees who bring up safety issues sometimes face retaliation for reporting an unsafe work environment. Make it clear to workers and contractors on job sites that safety is your top priority and that any safety concerns or questions should be brought to a member of the management team. Encouraging open communication and holding supervisors accountable makes it more likely that you’ll catch safety risks before they actually cause any construction injuries.
Stick to Reasonable Timelines – Time is money, so it’s no surprise that construction companies often push unreasonable deadlines in order to maximize profit and get onto the next project. A rushed project is the perfect breeding ground for avoidable construction accidents. Do your best to ensure that every project you oversee has reasonable deadlines with space for sick days, inclement weather, and other unforeseen circumstances. The less pressure employees feel to rush through important tasks and jobs, the less likely it is they’ll unintentionally miss a safety protocol or cause an injury. As an added benefit, this puts you in a position to under promise and over deliver.
Build Extra Security Steps Into the Work Day – Many construction site injuries are completely avoidable. They happen because someone failed to double check their tools, ensure that scaffolding was set up safely, or verify proper ladder placement. When setting up routines and protocols for a new worksite, require extra verification of important safety measures. Having two sets of eyes on the biggest hazards of your worksite could prevent a serious or fatal injury.
Get the Legal Assistance You Deserve With Pisegna & Zimmerman
Construction accidents can often leave workers gravely injured, unable to support their families, and desperate for help. If you’re struggling to get the compensation you are owed after a construction accident, let the team at Pisegna & Zimmerman. We make it as convenient as possible for you—with Zoom meetings and DocuSign, you don’t even have to leave your home to meet with us or sign your documentation. Get started now by calling us at 818-888-8888 or sending us a message online.
William Zimmerman is an experienced Los Angeles work injury attorney at Pisegna & Zimmerman. He offers invaluable advice and assistance when dealing with the often complicated workers’ compensation system. As part of Pisgena & Zimmerman, he and his team are a full-service law firm that is dedicated to obtaining the maximum amount of compensation from all available sources.