- Construction accidents can be costly for firms due to medical expenses, lost time, legal fees and fines.
- Business owners can reduce risks associated with construction accidents by using slings, inspecting harnesses, and more.
- Synthetic rope slings are the best choice when it comes to lifting heavy objects, as they are lightweight, strong, and resistant to abrasion or breakage.
- Regular inspections of safety harnesses should also be conducted to ensure workers remain safe when working at heights.
- Lastly, proper management practices can help reduce the risk of accidents on construction sites.
Construction accidents can be expensive. There has been an increase in these accidents throughout the years, and it costs firms their businesses. A single on-site incident can result in medical bills, work stoppage, fines, etc. For business owners, the cost of an accident is more than just money. It can also include lost time, reputation damage, and decreased morale. Here’s a look at how construction accidents cost your firm and what you can do to minimize the associated risks and costs.
Medical Expenses
The most obvious cost associated with construction accidents is medical expenses. These expenses can range from medical bills to long-term disability payments for workers injured on the job and unable to return to work for an extended period. In addition, if a worker is killed on the job site due to a construction accident, the firm may be liable for funeral expenses and loss of future income by their family members.
Lost Time
Construction accidents often lead to work stoppage or delays in the completion of projects due to investigations or cleanup efforts related to the accident. This lost time means that projects may take longer than anticipated, which could lead to additional costs from delayed payments from clients or financial penalties from late completion dates in contracts. Furthermore, it can also lead to lost opportunities because other potential jobs may have been taken while waiting for the project affected by accident to be completed.
Legal Fees & Fines
If an investigation reveals that your firm was negligent in some way resulting in an accident, then they could face legal fees and fines related to any civil suits that arise from it. These fees can be substantial depending on the injury’s severity and whether criminal charges were filed against anyone involved. Additionally, if OSHA finds any violations during its investigation into the cause of an accident, your firm may face even higher fines or sanctions depending on the severity of those violations.
Reducing Risks
Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a business owner to reduce the risks associated with construction accidents. Here are some of them:
Slings
If your firm mainly deals with heavy objects, you should always use slings to help lift them properly. Synthetic rope slings are the best when it comes to this. First, they are lightweight, making them easier to maneuver and position. Second, they are strong enough to lift and secure heavy objects safely. Finally, synthetic rope slings are resistant to abrasion and breakage, so you can be sure your workers will be safe while handling them. However, you must know some reliable synthetic rope sling maintenance tips. These tips will help you keep your slings in top condition and reduce the risk of accidents.
Harness Inspection
Workers should always wear safety harnesses when working at heights. Safety harnesses provide extra protection and support if a worker falls from a height, reducing their chances of sustaining severe injuries. However, these harnesses must be regularly inspected for wear and tear. Regular inspection will ensure your workers are always safe when working at heights.
Training & Certifications
Providing adequate employee training is essential to reducing the risk of accidents on construction sites. Employees should be trained on safety protocol, proper handling of heavy objects, and any other procedures specific to your company. You should also ensure that any heavy machinery employees have the proper certifications and understand how to use them safely.
Personal Protective Equipment
Providing your workers with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces accidents on construction sites. This includes hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and other items specific to the job.
Management
Lastly, proper management practices can also help reduce the risk of accidents on construction sites. This includes ensuring enough workers, providing adequate supervision and guidance, conducting regular safety inspections, and maintaining a safe work environment.
Overall, construction accidents can be costly for firms in more ways than one. Proper safety protocols, such as slings, harness inspections, and training, are vital to helping reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, providing the necessary personal protective equipment can help ensure your workers stay safe and your firm’s bottom line is protected.
