September 20, 2016

How to Avoid Stairways Accidents During Construction

Posted in Construction Accidents

Whether they’re working in a skyscraper, a three-floor building or a house, most construction jobs require workers to go up and down stairways with heavy materials and powerful tools. Unfortunately, stairways can be very dangerous during the construction development. If the necessary safety precautions are not considered, injuries are likely to happen.

Below are a few general safety suggestions relevant to stairways during the building construction process listed by ToolBoxTopics.com that will help you stay safe avoiding accidents:

1. All railings should be in place before the stairway is opened for use. Landings with open sides need standard guardrails for proper fall protection. The stairs need handrails for workers to hold when ascending or descending.

2. There should be adequate lighting in the stairway. Adequate lighting can be a problem since permanent lighting is usually installed after the stairway construction is completed. OSHA construction standards require 5 foot-candles of light in stairways. The amount of light can be measured with a standard light meter. If the lighting is inadequate, a temporary light bulb string could be installed in the stairway. Each bulb should be equipped with a protective cover and the string should be inspected daily for burned out or broken bulbs.

3. Keep the stairway clean to reduce the likelihood of slips, trips, or falls. Do not store any tools or construction materials on the stairway. Do not through trash down on the stairway. Clean up any liquid spills or rain water immediately.

4. As much as possible, try to avoid using the stairway as a means of access for transporting materials between floors. Carrying small materials and tools is fine as long as the materials do not block your vision. Trying to go up or down a stairway while carrying large items is physically demanding and increases your potential for a strain or sprain injury as well as a fall. Asking a co-worker to help you carry the load may reduce your exposure to a strain, but it may increase the exposure for both of you to be involved in a slip or fall accident. The best alternative is to use the building elevator or crane service.

Your safety is our top priority, and we hope these safety tips will help you avoid accidents in the future. If you or a family member get injured during the usage of stairways during construction, contact us immediately for a free consultation. We are here to fight for your rights.