Elevator Accidents

Elevator Accidents in Jackson, MS

Construction sites are easily one of the most dangerous types of workplaces in the nation. In many worksites, there are heavy-duty construction elevators for workers to travel between floors. These elevators are very different than the elevators most consumers and members of the general public are familiar with. Additionally, the area surrounding the elevator can be in fluctuating and varied levels of construction and completion. On many job sites, workers use elevator hoists to go between upper and lower areas. While these hoists are certainly a more cost effective option to some of the more expensive mechanical elevators, they’re not without risk to workers.

Common Causes of Construction Elevator Accidents

  • Exceeding the maximum working load
  • Improper support structures
  • Insufficient safety training
  • Not following manufacturer’s instructions
  • Obstructions in the area

Exceeding the Maximum Load of The Elevator

Probably the most important rule of working around any type of construction site or hoist elevator is not exceeding the maximum working load of the equipment. These elevators and hoist elevators can only work safely if they’re not overloaded. If a hoist elevator is overloaded, people could become injured or killed. An accident may not happen on the first or second occurrence of overloading, but why risk it? Additionally, if the weight is overloaded and an injury occurs, you could be held responsible for any expenses and damages associated with the accident. All job site managers need to strictly enforce and ensure that all weight loads are being properly observed and respected. Finally, the maximum working load limit needs to be clearly indicated and visible for everybody on the construction site to see.

Properly Sized and Weighted Support Structures

Not only is it essential to keep from overloading all elevators, it’s equally important to ensure the support structures are properly sized and weighted for the particular elevator system you’re using. The support structure has to be equal to the working load of the hoist in order to keep everybody in the vicinity of the elevator safe. It’s also essential to ensure the installation of the hoist elevator is done to safety guidelines and manufacturer specifications. Additionally, the support structure needs to be positioned so that the hoist is able to freely and properly line up with each load. The areas around the hoist elevator also need to be free and clear of debris for safe use and maintenance.

Training on The Construction Site

Construction sites are notoriously full of heavy machinery and dangerous equipment. Not many other jobs require helmets and other protective gear to be worn around the office at all times. Like safety equipment, training is also an essential element in keeping workplaces safe. It’s the construction foreman’s job to ensure everybody on the job site is properly trained in their jobs and roles and also in general construction site safety. Not only does improper training put that particular person at risk for a potentially injury causing or fatal accident, it also puts everybody on the job site at risk. After any type of construction site accident, it will be essential to determine if everybody involved was properly trained. Preventing injury causing and fatal accidents starts with safety training for all workers and employees on location.

Strict Adherence to Manufacturer’s Instructions

Finally, like all types of heavy machinery on the job site, it’s critical to strictly adhere to all manufacturer’s instructions on setup, use and maintenance. If somebody is injured or killed in a worksite accident and the hoist wasn’t being used according to manufacturer’s instructions, you can expect to be in hot water over job site safety. With construction site heavy equipment, one of the most important aspects of keeping everybody safe is following safety guidelines and instructions. These were developed to ensure the machinery is used in accordance with safety specifications. These machines do have limits, and it’s vitally important that they’re observed and respected.

After an Elevator Accident in Jackson

Elevator hoist accidents can be devastating for injured workers and their families. Not only are you trying to recover from a potentially catastrophic injury, you’re also out of work. If you’re a primary breadwinner, you’re family may have trouble even making ends meet during this difficult time. There could be no telling when you’re be back to work, if it’s even possible at all. A personal injury lawyer can be your advocate and help to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after a construction site accident involving an elevator. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in an elevator accident on the job site in or around Jackson, contact the experienced personal injury team at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC at (601) 265-7766 for a free case consultation today.

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