During the winter months, snow and ice makes its presence known throughout most of the United States. However, it can pose a safety hazard when it’s present on construction sites. That’s because the risk for slips and falls are higher than likely compared to any time of the year.
Are construction sites more dangerous in the winter? The short answer is yes. And we’ll take a look at why they are shortly.
Slips and falls can occur due to safety hazards. And they can be prevented if you take the right precautions and measures. Failure to do so may not only lead to serious injury or death, but it can cause a potential legal issue for the construction company involved.
Now, let’s take a look at why construction sites have the potential to be dangerous in the winter.
Why Are Construction Sites Dangerous in the Winter?
Snow and ice are just two elements that can cause slippery conditions. Yes, slippery conditions can be present when it’s raining in the warmer months. However, ice is a solid that is more slippery compared to a puddle of water on a floor.
Not only is it dangerous for foot traffic, but it’s also dangerous for motor vehicle operators. A truck driver or someone driving a personal vehicle on a construction site may hit a patch of ice and end up sliding on the pathway. The slick pavement may also pose an issue for heavy machinery and equipment such as automatic lifts and bulldozers.
And lastly, the cold weather itself can be dangerous to construction workers, especially if they are spending longer periods of time outdoors. Their clothing can get wet from the snow and ice.
And to make matters worse, wind speed and freezing temperatures are a recipe for frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur if you are out for longer periods of time.
Common Construction Accidents During the Winter
The following is a brief list of common construction accidents and injuries that can occur during the winter months:
- Slips and falls: These can occur anywhere from floor surfaces, scaffolding, ladders, and cranes.
- Electrocution: On days when the wind speeds are high, it will likely cause wires and power lines to get damaged. This can cause the wiring inside the powerlines to be exposed.
- Getting hit or caught in between objects: Due to slippery conditions, there can be objects that can move in slippery conditions and cause someone to get hit, caught in between, or even crushed. Even windy conditions (if the speed is high enough) can cause such objects to move.
Injuries that occur at a construction site during the winter months can happen. If you have been hurt in an accident during the winter, you may have legal options. If you need a consultation or have any questions, call Andres, Berger & Tran, your personal injury attorney near Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Contact A Haddonfield Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Construction Accident Case In New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a construction accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran, P.C. represent clients injured in Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Marlton, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-317-6558 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 264 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 as well as offices in Mt. Laurel, Philadelphia, and Princeton.
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.
