Falling tools are a serious construction hazard

Construction professionals generally need to follow rigorous safety standards. There are many laws that regulate construction sites, and companies generally have safety policies they enforce to limit the risk of worker injuries.

Those working in construction need to consistently use specialized gear and monitor their surroundings for risk factors. Safety should always be a priority, especially when working at a significant elevation or below grade.

After all, construction workers have higher risk levels for injury or death on the job than professionals in most other private sectors. Struck-by incidents are among the most common causes of construction fatalities. In many cases, they involve tools falling from an elevation.

Shortcuts create safety risks

Most struck-by incidents involving falling tools are preventable. Ideally, professionals working at an elevation in the construction sector should consistently make use of tethers and other safety gear to prevent falls and falling objects.

Unfortunately, as professionals become comfortable with their jobs, they may become more lax about safety. Despite the need to prioritize safety compliance, professionals might fail to tether tools or properly secure materials. Those items can then fall and injure others.

Falling items can cause numerous serious injuries. A struck-by incident could cause a traumatic brain injury. A worker hit on the head could incur a spinal cord injury. Struck-by incidents can also cause broken bones. Even if a worker doesn’t die, they could sustain life-altering injuries or might require weeks away from work to heal.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help injured construction professionals pay their medical bills and replace lost wages. Even if another employee is at fault for the incident, workers’ compensation benefits can help professionals limit their losses.