SAFETY PROTOCOLS
It is also a good idea to keep in mind that the vast majority of accidents are preventable, said Malson.“ It’ s very rare that an incident is non-preventable,” said Malson.“ You need to look at what you can learn from the aftermath of an accident, upping your safety culture and conducting training and more training.”
Malson stressed the importance of making sure that the contractor has the proper insurance in place before starting a project. If there’ s a construction accident and you, as the property owner or contractor, lack the necessary insurance, you could face significant financial and legal repercussions, including being personally liable for medical bills, property damage, and potential lawsuits.
The following steps should be taken after an incident:
Secure the area to prevent further injuries and, if warranted, stop work in the affected area.
If the injury is serious, call 911.
If safe and appropriate, administer first aid while waiting for medical help.
Notify the site supervisor, project manager, or safety officer immediately.
Capture photos of the accident scene, equipment involved, and hazardous conditions.
Gather statements from coworkers or others who saw the accident.
If the injury is serious, report it to OSHA within the required time frame( 24 hours for hospitalization and 8 hours for a fatality).
The injured worker( or employer) should file a claim with worker’ s compensation insurance.
Conduct an internal investigation to determine the cause of the injury and update safety protocols to prevent future accidents.
Ensure that the injured worker receives medical treatment, recovery time, and any benefits to which they are entitled.
Address hazards, improve training, and enforce safety measures to reduce future risks.
Merriwether & Williams, a HUB International Company, can help contractors with putting together a safety plan for their business. We may be reached at cdp @ imwis. com.
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Source: National Safety Council
Document the incident.
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