Construction site owners in California may want to consider the following steps that will help ensure worker safety. There are four major steps, and the first is to plan ahead long before a given project begins.
As part of this preparation, owners must identify potential safety hazards and have project managers and field representatives come up with the appropriate preventative measures. These measures can include zoning, where certain areas are blocked off; the installing of nets and catch platforms; and the installation of scaffolding. Workers should be aware of what these preventative measures are.
Risk management is the next step. Most construction fatalities occur on Mondays through Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so employers could consider holding a safety meeting once a week around this time period. They should take into account how industrial projects result in more deaths than residential or commercial projects.
Third, employers should avoid over-scheduling workers. Long shifts lead to fatigue and decreased attention, which puts workers at risk for an accident. Even if they avoid an accident on the job, a fatigued worker might crash in their vehicle during their commute home.
Fourth, employers must adhere to a thoroughly safety-minded culture. One way is by training not only workers and supervisors but also subcontractors and other partners. Everyone should be kept up-to-date on new safety regulations.
With good workplace safety practices, there will be few accidents to worry about. Still, some workers may get injured while on the job. Victims usually can file for workers’ compensation benefits, but they may face some opposition from their employers. For this and other reasons, it may be a good idea to have a lawyer assist with the filing process. Worker’s comp benefits can provide wage replacement and cover all medical expenses.