Construction Accidents Maine

An intimidating variety of accidents are possible in a Maine construction zone, due to the inherently dangerous nature of the work. Heavy equipment and machinery, heights, holes, and loud noises pose threats to the unaware worker. Familiarity and the daily routine can lessen a worker’s sense of caution, adding to the risk.

Thousands of deaths occur every year due to construction accidents. Machinery and tools may be defective or damaged; using them could result in injury to you or to a coworker. Normal wear and tear on equipment will cause them to deteriorate until they are no longer safe. In such cases, replacement is necessary to prevent accidents.

In other situations, workers may have their skills or judgment impaired through alcohol or drugs. These substances greatly increase the likelihood of mistakes, even in seemingly simple routines. Even mild horseplay in a construction zone endangers you and your coworkers.

Not every kind of construction accident is predictable, however. Sometimes a foot slips on a ladder step, or a tool breaks. Boxes could fall from a shelf on a worker’s head. He could slip on a wet floor. Fortunately, many of the accidents that occur every day in a construction zone are inconsequential. However, injuries and even death can occur from seemingly mundane events.

How can you prevent accidents from happening to you? One basic factor, unglamorous as it may seem, is getting enough sleep. Arriving alert at the construction zone will help prevent many accidents. Getting a full night of sleep will help give your mind the alertness it needs to avoid accidents. Your reflexes will be sharper. Your judgment will be clearer. If you are sleep-deprived, your basic physical abilities will be hampered.

Avoiding alcohol and mind-altering drugs also contributes to construction zone safety. Construction zones are inherently dangerous, so anything inhibiting your sensory faculties increases the risk of an accident happening to you that could have been avoided. Because of the risk involved, many construction zones in Maine under ownership of a contractor forbid these substances on the site, and may escort workers off the zone if they are found under the influence.

Also, you can help prevent accidents by maintaining and monitoring any equipment you use on the site. If a tool breaks or shows signs of wear, dealing with the issue early may prevent an accident in the future due to breakage or a malfunction. All safety precautions marked on tools and equipment should be followed. Guardrails should be properly designed on scaffolds, and in good condition. Eye shields should be worn during welding. Power lines should be identified and avoided to prevent electrocution. You should report all unsafe conditions and practices to your supervisor. Doing so may prevent injuries and even deaths, and will reflect well on you as a responsible worker.

Of course, since many of these accidents come from negligence or inexperience on the part of those involved, the responsibility for these incidents will differ from case to case. In many circumstances, often the supervisor or the Maine construction company is at fault, and you can file suit for injuries received in an accident. This depends on the nature of the accident, the condition of the surroundings, and the state of the worker.

For instance, if you show up at work inebriated or under the influence of drugs, and are involved in a construction accident, chances are you will not be able to file suit. Even common carelessness, such as failing to adhere to safety procedures, will prevent you from being able to claim damages. If the accident was clearly preventable through adherence to safety policies, in most cases you can assume the courts will blame no one but you for your accident.

On the other hand, if the accident can be traced to another cause, you will likely be able to seek restitution. Sometimes a manufacturer is at fault, or a careless supervisor. The employer himself or even a coworker could be guilty of causing an accident, through carelessness or any other reason.

Netzky Law Office

312-602-2233
200 S. Michicagan
Chicago, IL
www.netzkylaw.com