In addition to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other pieces of legislation, in 2007 the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations were implemented with a view to protecting workers in the construction industry.
If you live in or around Glasgow and have suffered injury in a construction accident, Glasgow-based personal injury solicitors Thompsons, can help you secure compensation for any pain, injury, medical expenses and lost earnings caused by the incident. Call 0800 0891 331 to receive advice today.
Young construction workers
Perhaps there is no mainstream group of workers more vulnerable than the young. Those with only minimal or limited experience require special attention, whether it is in regard to on-the-job training, advice, information, supervision or mentoring.
In fact, data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) suggests that as well being at greater risk of the kinds of accidents caused by inexperience, young workers are also more prone to injuries and industrial illnesses caused by the following factors: vibration, extremes of temperature, noise, and manual handling of hazardous substances.
All of the above listed hazards are relevant to the construction environment, whether it is noise and vibrations caused by machinery and handheld tools, extreme temperatures on the construction site during the winter or summer months, or the use of chemicals such as strong solvents, there is a great deal for young construction workers to think about.
Furthermore, EU-OSHA data reveals that despite their youth, physically demanding work takes a particular toll on younger workers, this means that there are a great deal of manual handling injuries in this occupational group. Such injuries are typically caused by the incorrect lifting and handling of heavy loads, the adoption of awkward positions and the strains of repetitive tasks. This, sadly, means there is a high rate of musculoskeletal disorders among younger construction workers.
Unfortunately, when young people are exploited or their needs not properly considered the risks of work-related injury greatly increase. There is, for example, a link between shift work, irregular working hours and construction accident injury among the young.
Claims for construction accident injury
Construction is one of the most hazardous industries in Scotland. This is because even the most minor-seeming of health and safety breaches can have serious repercussions.
If you have been injured as a result of any of the incidents listed below, Thompsons' construction accident solicitors in Glasgow can help you secure compensation for your pain, injury, medical expenses and lost earnings:
- Falls from height
- Injuries caused by falling materials
- Scaffolding accidents
- Tunnelling accidents
- Crane, forklift, MWP and transport accidents
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Inadequate risk assessments
- Unsafe working systems
For advice and information regarding your rights in relation to a construction accident claim, call 0800 0891 331 so one of our advisors can assist you. Thompsons, Scotland's leading personal injury firm.
