Trucks and other large vehicles present some of the most serious hazards found on construction sites. Trucks used to bring in building materials are constantly on the premises, and frequently they back up in very tight quarters. In such situations, it is far too easy for a construction worker to be struck or even run over by a truck.
While backover accidents can cause serious or even fatal injuries, they are often preventable. But it is important to understand some of the primary causes of backover accidents, which can include:
- A worker being unable to hear backup alarms due to worksite noise or alarm failure.
- A worker falling off of a vehicle and then being backed over.
- A driver assuming a path is clear and failing to look out for workers while backing.
- A driver being unable to see a worker who is in one of the truck’s blind spots.
- A spotter helping with one truck and being struck by another truck that he or she does not see.
There are a variety of safety measures that can be employed to prevent backover accidents. For example, it may be possible for an employer to create traffic control plans that specify where drivers can go and even reduce the need for backing up. Also, trucks can be outfitted with video cameras that have on-board monitors that allow drivers to see what is behind them.
If everyone on a construction site is constantly vigilant, backover accidents can be prevented. But unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle of a busy site, accidents can happen. And when a worker is struck by a truck or heavy construction vehicle, he or she could suffer an injury that requires extensive treatment and a long recovery period.
If you have been injured while working on a construction site, it is important to understand the full range of workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled. As such, you may want to discuss your case with a workers’ compensation attorney who can work to help you get the benefits you need for recovery.
