Construction Site Accidents in Birmingham
From the expansion of New Street station to the Metro extension, there have been exciting construction developments in Birmingham. Unfortunately, it can also be extremely dangerous due to the equipment potentially involved and the practical nature of the role. This is why there are additional strict guidelines in place that firms must follow to prevent construction site accidents.
Should you be employed in this industry and have the misfortune to be involved in an accident whilst at work, we can help. Here you can read about the specific rules and regulations relating to building and construction. Alternatively, if you want a discussion on your individual claim, call us today for expert guidance.
Rules and Regulations to Reduce Construction Accidents
Employers owe a duty of care, not just to their employees, but to anyone on their premises, including contractors and visitors. This duty of care extends to all employers within the building and construction industry, which, along with other UK industries, is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
In addition to general health and safety law applicable to most other workplaces, there are certain regulations relating to building and construction. The most comprehensive are the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. This provides certain requirements that must be met to reduce construction site accidents, including:
- Being able to enter and exit all parts of the building site safely
- Scaffolds and hoists are checked regularly and thoroughly
- If working in adverse weather, appropriate equipment should be provided
- If work is to be done indoors, temperature should be regulated to an appropriate level
- Safety wear must be provided
- WCs, washrooms and clean drinking water must be provided
- Facilities where employees can rest should also be provided
In addition to other workplaces, building and construction sites must have Workers’ Compensation insurance in place should an unfortunate accident occur.
What must I do as an employee?
You have to make sure that you follow the obligations given to you as an employee to make a valid claim. This includes wearing any safety equipment provided, such as hard hats, ear protectors or gloves. You should also be trained on how to use equipment, such as fork-lifts.
However, if your employer has failed to give you the required equipment or training, then this could form part of the basis for your construction site accident claim.
Industrial disease from construction environments
Industrial disease, unlike an injury that is immediately apparent, may take years to develop. One of the most common industrial diseases is caused by asbestos, which was used in everything from roofs to boilers before its toxic properties were discovered. Asbestos exposure can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can start in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease and no way of knowing whether you have the condition for years.
Chromium is another material that can cause asthma or dermatitis if left untreated. This metal can be found in certain types of cement. It is a good idea to get tested for chromium poisoning at your GP, as often you do not show any symptoms in a case of low level poisoning.
Call Our Construction Site Accident Solicitors** for Birmingham
Whether you have a personal injury or an industrial disease, we can help with our local knowledge of the Birmingham construction industry. If have been injured while at work and weren’t to blame and decide you want to pursue your claim, our work accident solicitors** can help.
Even if you just want to talk through your options following an unfortunate accident, call us today for a confidential, no obligation discussion. We can inform you of how our no win, no fee* compensation service works. We will treat your call with the utmost confidentiality.
Call our team on 0800 083 8358^. Alternatively, you can leave your details using our online form, and we can call you back.