Somebody shout fire! Flammable hazards in the construction workplace
There are more than major 10 fires on construction sites throughout the UK every single day. Fires in the workplace are a continual concern - from kitchen fires to industrial workplace fires and all organisations are required to carry and supply fire extinguishing equipment.
Fires are the most dangerous and expensive of all construction accidents yet many fires can be prevented through the use of proper technology and common sense. DSEAR is a set of regulations concerned with protection against fire risks, explosions and other events arising from dangerous substances used in the workplace. Read more about DSEAR at www.hse.gov.uk
Chemical substances can make fires worse
Dangerous substances used in the construction industry that can make industrial accidents particularly devastating include petrol, liquefied gas (LPG), paint, varnish, solvents and dust which when mixed with air can cause explosions.
If fires get out of control, they can destroy premises, businesses and the livelihood of families overnight. Fire safety is everyone's job at a worksite. Employers need to train workers about fire hazards and what to do in the event of an emergency. In the construction industry in particular, a fire plan and safety procedures need to be laid out before beginning any demolition job; failure to do this could result in employers being held liable for no win, no fee work accident claims.
If workers are expected to evacuate, they need to be trained on how to escape and use firefighting equipment to put out construction accident fires. Regular fire tests must be carried out and workplace buildings and construction sites must have clear means of escape. Tall buildings with lifts must have an outside staircase.
Fire extinguishers must be readily available and regular inspections need to be carried out to inspect the site, make sure it is as fire-secure as possible and to give advice about flammable products, particularly if they are part of the construction process. Fires could be easily prevented if employees followed simple on-the-job fire safety practices designed to prevent construction accidents.
Industrial arson is another big cause of construction accident fires and is in fact the leading cause of all fires. Knowing the business security plan is therefore also essential for all construction workers, along with reporting all suspicious activities and keeping careful lists of everybody who has a security and door code.
Construction industry accident claim
If a fire takes place in a construction industry workplace, workers may not have time to remove themselves from the situation quickly enough. Burn injuries can be extremely serious and severe and are often life-threatening.
Somebody who has experienced industrial burns with chemicals may need additional treatment to deal with any necessary surgery required for their personal injuries. A construction accident claim made through YouClaim will cost absolutely nothing and any money won can help you put the incident behind you and get on with rebuilding your life.
Our panel of personal injury solicitors are experts in construction accident claims and have a fantastic success rate. You can even keep 100% of any compensation awarded. And, as we’re a no win, no fee claims specialist there is no danger of you having to pay a penny of the defendant’s legal fees.
To find out more about what we can do for you, give us a call on 0800 10 757 95.
