Job prospects in specialized trades continue to grow in this country. Many construction companies have more job openings than applicants vying for those positions. While you can earn high wages and enjoy great benefits with a job in construction, however, you should be aware that this line of work does not come without its risks. As one group of construction accident attorneys states, “Safety on the site is often overlooked by those in charge simply to keep the job moving.” After you accept employment in a construction company, you should be mindful of your personal safety and follow several guidelines to make sure that you minimize your risk of getting hurt on the job.
Complete All Necessary Pre-Employment Training
While many construction crews offer on-the-job training, you also may be expected to complete some basic pre-work training to prepare you for this line of work. Your pre-employment training could include learning what safety equipment you must wear at all times. It may also tell you what to do if you fall, become sickened, or are exposed to certain chemicals while working. Before you start any work on the job site, you should finish this training to ensure your protection.
Wear Your Safety Equipment While Working
Before you enter the job site, you should first put on all of your required safety gear. Your foreman more than likely will require you to wear a hard hat, steel-tipped boots, wire mesh gloves, and eye goggles. This gear, while perhaps a bit cumbersome, is designed to protect vulnerable areas of your body. You should this gear put on before you pick up a tool or enter the site to begin work.
Never Enter the Site Alone
Even if you are the foreman of the construction crew, you should never enter a construction site alone. Having someone else with you, even if you plan on simply walking through the site for a quick inspection, can prevent your being hurt or trapped in a freak accident. Entering the site with coworkers or employees should always be one of your safety measures.
Have Proper Certifications or Licensing
Most states require that construction workers be certified or licensed to handle heavy equipment. Before you attempt to drive a forklift, earthmover, bulldozer, or backhoe, you should first secure the proper licensing required by the state in which you are working. If you get hurt or cause someone else to get hurt by operating this equipment without proper certification, you could be fired and face financial repercussions.
Keep a Lawyer on Retainer
Even if you do not anticipate having an accident at work, you should keep the name of a good accident attorney in mind. Having this attorney’s name available, or better yet, having this attorney on retainer can be your best plan of action if you should ever become injured on the job. Your lawyer can get the process started immediately to help you protect yourself financially and hold the responsible party accountable.
As jobs in construction continue to grow, you may be very eager to join this profession. However, as eager as you may be, you should still make it a priority to keep your safety in mind. Following established and proven safety guidelines can help you enjoy a long construction career that is free from injuries.
Melanie Fleury has experienced the loss of a sibling due to a workplace accident. Construction accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm urge those that are hurt in a construction accident to seek compensation for medical treatment, lost earnings and pain and suffering.
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