Safety is a top priority for all employers, but in the construction field it is particularly important. This is a dangerous business filled with opportunities for workers to get injured, which could have dire consequences both for your employees and for your business. The price of negligence when it comes to workplace safety can be astronomical and could mean the end of a small business.

The Consequences Of A Construction Accident

What are the consequences of a workplace injury in the construction field? First and foremost is the impact on your employee’s livelihood. A serious injury could very well end a construction worker’s career and cause a permanent disability. Facing a diminished earning capacity while also managing chronic pain is not the way anyone wants to live.

Another major concern, of course, is the potential for a lawsuit. Even if your injured employee only sues you for compensation for medical bills and lost wages, the settlement could be tens of thousands of dollars. If pain and suffering are included in the lawsuit, you could be looking at a multi-million dollar settlement. It’s a rare small business that can take a hit that big and remain in the black.

All of this is in addition to the fact that if one of your employees is injured on the job and your company is found to be in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, you could face serious penalties. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can inspect your workplace at any time to make sure that you are providing a safe work environment for all of your employees, so it is imperative that you provide adequate training and safety initiatives to protect everyone who works for you. If you are in violation of any of the OSHA guidelines, then you could be subject to monetary penalties of up to $70,000 for each violation, as well as possible imprisonment.

Protecting Yourself From Construction Accidents

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your employees from workplace injuries and their consequences. First, make sure you are familiar with all of OSHA’s rules and regulations regarding workplace safety, especially in a construction zone. Not only will this provide for the protection of all of your employees, but will also ensure that you will not be penalized in the event of an OSHA inspection.

Another prudent course of action is to purchase construction liability insurance. This type of insurance will cover you in the event of a workplace injury lawsuit and also take care of any accidental damage to the property so that you don’t have to pay any damages out of your profits. Clearly a good liability insurance plan is a great asset to your company!

And finally, in the unfortunate event of a workplace injury lawsuit, you will need to retain a qualified, experienced attorney to represent your company. Construction law is a specialized field, so you will want to find an attorney who specifically has training and experience in this area. It is imperative to have a good lawyer on your side should you find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit!

Accidents on a work site are an ever-present risk in the field of construction and without adequate protection could mean the end of your business. However, being protected and prepared can shield you from the worst consequences of a construction-related injury. With so many resources in place to help you, there is no reason to risk an OSHA penalty or a lawsuit, not to mention your employees’ health and well-being. Contractors should take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of all employees as well as the business itself.

About the author

Michael Schlueter is an attorney in Denver, Colorado, specializing in construction law, surety and fidelity, and insurance law. Schlueter, Mahoney & Ross, P.C. has been in business for over twenty years and is a top-rated law firm in the Denver area. Find out about their practice on Google+