Spring Brings New Safety Hazards to NJ Construction Workers

All Practice Areas

Although everyone welcomes the warmer weather of spring, the changing of seasons can create new hazards for those working on construction sites. Below are a few of the new or unique safety hazards that construction workers may face during the spring.

Read more: How Does An OSHA Violation Affect A Workers’ Compensation Claim In New Jersey?

Unpredictable Weather

In New Jersey and throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, spring means unpredictable weather. Mornings can start off cool, only for temperatures to rise significantly by early afternoon. If spring days get especially warm, construction workers should shift to lighter clothing and remember to stay hydrated. Of course, cold temperatures, freezing rain, or even snow are still possible through much of the spring. As a result, construction workers need to ensure that they have proper clothing and footwear for all the weather conditions that spring can throw at us, even over the course of one day. This includes layered clothing so that workers can add or remove layers as needed with temperatures. Construction workers at outside sites should stay mindful of both overexertion due to heat along with potential signs of hypothermia if temperatures get too cool.

Read more: Impact Of Filing A Workers’ Comp Claim On Future Employment

April Showers Bring Muddy Hazards

As temperatures rise, snow piles and frozen dirt can easily create muddy surfaces, especially when spring rains are added. Muddy conditions on construction sites pose a serious slip-and-fall hazard for workers, who should always be wearing footwear with good traction or anti-slip technology. Mud that gets tracked up to heights, such as on ladders, roofs, or scaffolding, can also pose a fall hazard. Construction companies should ensure that workers up at heights have the appropriate fall protection.

Muddy construction sites also increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents, as work vehicles may end up losing traction. Mud can also impair tools and equipment, creating another risk of accident and injury.

Overcast weather from April showers and fog may also reduce visibility on job sites, even during the daytime, requiring the use of extra lighting. 

Electrocution Hazards

Many construction sites involve electrical work. Spring weather conditions can create unique electrocution hazards in construction jobs involving electrical work or on sites where power lines or electrical cords may be strewn about. Puddles of water or wet ground can increase the risk of an electric shock. 

Spring thunderstorms can also knock down electrical or power lines, which can electrocute someone who unwittingly comes in contact with them. Thunderstorms also mean the possibility of lightning; construction workers should take shelter inside when thunder and lightning are nearby.

Read more: Filing A Claim For A Workplace Accident In New Jersey

Contact a Rochelle Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case

A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey Workers’ Compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the Workers’ Comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. represent clients in Mahwah, Paramus, Ridgewood, Englewood, and all across New Jersey. Call 201-231-7847 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 340 West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.