subject: Things You May Consider If Theres A Construction Site [print this page] Construction accidents can be defined as one of the following types of occurrences that may take place on a job site.
The first is personal injury, either to a construction employee or an associated service employee. A person that is performing a construction related activity such as framing, plumbing or supervision would be considered a construction employee. If a construction employee is injured during the performance of their trade, liability may reside with the contractor or the property owner. If this person is injured as a result of their poor practice, such as working in an unsafe place or in a questionable manner, there may be a question as to liability.
In one such instance, a carpenter was injured when he walked across the open span of a ceiling area using only a single scaffold plank. The plank gave way and the worker fell and was injured. This was neither the fault of the contractor or the property owner and the worker was not covered for treatment of the injury.
A driver of a delivery truck such as plumbing supplies or ready mixed concrete would be considered an associated service employee. If a service employee is injured on site during the performance of their duty, the contractor or property owner may be liable. If the service employee is injured as the result of his or her negligence, such as being in a hard hat area without the proper protection, there will likely be a question as to liability.
The next type of construction accident would be property damage to the building under construction or to any of the facilities such as the electrical lines, sewer lines, water or other facilities that are associated with the property. This type of construction accident may occur as the result of faulty construction equipment, such as an improperly stabilized crane or poorly maintained scaffolding.
Where equipment is involved in a construction accident, the question as to liability may be complex since there are other factors that could influence an equipment related accident. The operator may be at fault or the job site supervisor may hold some responsibility for allowing the equipment to be used in a questionable way.
Safe and thoughtful practices on the part of construction employees and service people are the key to avoiding situations that hold the potential for a construction accident.
