Construction can be a dangerous industry, and so are its work sites. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that over 150,000 construction accidents occur every year, with male workers 48 times more likely to sustain a severe injury than their female counterparts. Some of the most typical job site injuries include the torso and back, followed by legs and arms. However, in Syracuse, crane accidents are more common.
Although a crane is a helpful construction tool, there is an increased risk of danger if one does not follow safety protocols. In Syracuse alone, the casualties amount to 70% of the total fatalities, and 90% of accidents occur because of human error. Besides cranes, toxic chemical incidents are also becoming common in Syracuse. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in the last few years, 1,400 accidents resulted in serious injuries, and around 23% were in construction.
Since work site accidents pose a serious threat to society, one should consult a construction accident lawyer when such an incident occurs to help recover the damages. If any of your loved ones have been injured due to toxic chemical exposure at the work site, this blog post will share the five people who may be liable for the loss.
Construction Company
The construction company has the duty of ensuring the health and security of its workers at the work site. They are responsible for correctly managing toxic chemicals, which involves assessing risks, implementing control measures, and ensuring proper engineering schedules are recommended by the management.
If the construction firm fails to keep the chemicals within healthy limits and properly classify and store them, the law can hold them accountable for their negligence.
Workplace Supervisors
Administrators and supervisors must correctly enforce the administrative rules and operational strategies to regulate chemical accidents and risks. They must train the workforce to learn their roles and responsibilities, implement practical policies, introduce safety programs, provide sufficient surveillance, and not promote or allow dangerous work practices.
If they fail to perform their functions, the tribunal can hold them liable for their negligence and punish them accordingly.
Material Suppliers
When these people enter a worksite, they must abide by the security practices of the construction company and adhere to its decrees. Just like any other person, they must not execute tasks that put their lives in danger by undergoing a worksite security induction. But if they cannot adhere to the rules, enter confined areas, or carelessly deal with toxic chemicals, the law can hold them accountable.
Construction Workers
Workers must stay safe during employment hours, properly follow instructions, abide by the security policies, and wear PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) kits while handling risky chemicals. But if they behave recklessly and risk everyone’s life, the court can hold them accountable for their acts.
General Contractors
Contractors handle most of the tasks done on-site. It includes subcontractors and autonomous contractors. If they fail to provide their workers and subcontractors with security gear, the law can hold them accountable if anyone falls ill.
If you have fallen ill due to the contractor’s neglect, you can still file a lawsuit against them or their superior for their acts.
Wrapping Up
Handling risky chemicals is not a one-person job. Every person plays a critical role in ensuring their own and their co-worker’s security. To develop a safer working environment, the construction firm must design a space where chemicals are perfectly segregated and secure discharging stations are used. It must encourage the laborers to wear PPE all the time, regularly clean them, and learn the basic safety rules.
