The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the Department of Labor sets national standards for the health and safety of workers. OSHA requirements apply to work at construction sites and employers are required to comply with these rules, which is important for construction workers to know given the serious injuries they can face in their profession.
Employer obligations and employee rights
Employers are required under OSHA to provide construction workers with a workplace free from recognized hazards, ensure employees have safe tools and equipment to use and provide employees with safety training, among other responsibilities. Employers who violate OSHA can be subject to significant penalties.
Employees have a right to request an inspection of the workplace for hazardous conditions, review records of work-related injuries and illnesses and cannot be discriminated or retaliated against for making an OSHA complaint. If the employee signs and files a written complaint, he or she also can have their name withheld from the employer.
Injuries
If a construction worker has been injured in a construction site accident, it’s important for him or her to receive medical attention for their injuries.
He or she should also report the injury to the employer or construction site manager, record the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident and if possible, take photos of the area where he or she was injured and the equipment or tools involved in the injury.
Construction accidents can cause life-long and expensive injuries. An experienced attorney can help injured construction workers address accidents caused by OSHA non-compliance.
