We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
With so much heavy raw material in use in even the smallest of construction projects, it's not surprising that many building site accidents result in crushing injuries.
When steel and wooden beams weighing many tonnes are being manoeuvred using a crane, forklift truck or other lifting device, it is vital both the driver of machine and all other workers in the vicinity are aware of the necessary safety procedures to avoid the possibility of a workplace accident.
Often, it is a building site worker on the ground assisting in the operation who becomes the victim of a falling or insecure piece of material when a heavy object is moved and lifted incorrectly or an inappropriate system is used to manage the work.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 specify how employers should protect employees by assessing the risk, including the potential of a falling load to cause injury because of the height lifted, its weight, nature, size and position in relation to people.
Although the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines say the regulations should be applied in a proportionate way, it adds that other characteristics of the load such as whether it is flammable, toxic, corrosive or radioactive should also form part of the lifting plan where appropriate.
When machinery such as a crane is being used regularly on a building site, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure a competent person has inspected it and that it is maintained properly in order to reduce the chance of a work-related accident.
Often this competent person will be a senior employee who has had training and experience in checking for safety hazards on the particular type of lifting equipment or it can be an outside expert called in at frequent intervals.
When being used on a busy building project, any lifting machinery and its operation should be carefully supervised to avoid anyone crossing the work area and inadvertently placing himself in danger.
Although lifting accidents can be the fault of the driver of the machinery and/or the victim contributes to causing the incident, it is still the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe working environment and to have training and monitoring systems in place to reduce the possibility of a workplace personal injury occurring.
Compensation for a building site accident
Building sites are dangerous places and most victims of work-related construction accidents are men in the prime of life, who can expect many years of full physical health, so if the question of compensation for an accident arises then the courts will take into account the fact that a family's bread-winner may have his earning capacity reduced.
In those circumstances, it is important for a victim, or his loved ones, to have the best possible legal advice to maximise the damages pay-out and by consulting expert lawyers, such as the men and women who work for YouClaim, you will have the best chance of success.
Representatives of the panel are available throughout the UK and will offer a sympathetic yet professional opinion on all aspects of a case and giving advice in plain English.
If you, or someone you care about, has been affected by a building site accident, there are a number of ways to contact us for an initial discussion. You can complete the online claim form on this page, start e-chat or give us a call on 0800 10 757 95
