Construction workers in California might be interested in learning more about ways to reduce accidents associated with erecting exterior or interior walls. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration is responsible for ensuring that employers and employees follow the appropriate protocols in order to reduce the risk of preventable injuries occurring at the workplace. Fall-related injuries are especially prominent in the residential construction sector. Employers who fail to comply with OSHA standard may be liable for any resulting injuries.
When employees are working at least six feet above ground level, the OSHA requires employers to provide scaffolds, ladders, fall restraint systems or aerial lifts, unless there is a site-specific fall protection plan already in writing. However, the federal watchdog requires these plans to be drafted by qualified personnel only. People qualified to write the fall protection plan include a supervisor, an owner or an employee who possesses expertise and training in fall protection, as well as the ability to solve fall protection-related issues.
According to the OSHA, the fall protection plan must detail the reasons that standard fall protection equipment is not used at each location within the workplace. Some of the conventional equipment used for fall protection includes the Personal Fall Arrest System, safety nets and guardrails. Employers are also required to provide employees with training on how to properly use the equipment designed to help reduce safety risks at the workplace.
Employees suffering a workplace injury usually benefit from confiding in legal counsel. Lawyers may be able to help employees identify any parties culpable outside of their employer for the workplace injuries. Legal counsel may also be able to help injured workers file an accurate workers’ compensation claim and ensure that no retaliation is seen.
