New tech may reduce construction accidents

Construction workers in Pennsylvania are probably aware that they work in one of the most dangerous industries. In 2015, for instance, the U.S. saw 937 fatalities in the private construction industry. With 5.6 million employees in the field, it can be alarming to know that 1 out of every 10 is injured on site annually. This is why many employers are looking to the latest safety equipment in the effort to prevent accidents.

Advances in technology have allowed safety firms to produce a new reversing alarm, for instance, that emits the sound of white noise rather than the traditional beeping sound. Brigade Electronic, a global firm, calls its product the White Sound BBS-TEK reversing alarm. The reason why these are so important is that workers are often unable to tell where similar-sounding alarms are coming from, increasing their risk for injury.

New onboard cameras could also help prevent injuries by giving the operators of vans, heavy goods vehicles, wheel loaders, excavators and other vehicles a complete view of the work area without any blind spots. Where there are still blind spots, and where visibility is poor on account of fog, dust and smoke, workers could be kept safe through the use of radar systems on vehicles. These alert drivers to people and objects through visual and audio warnings.

The mining, quarrying and agriculture industries are especially prone to blind spot accidents, but when these occur, victims may be reimbursed for their injuries through the workers compensation program. To file for these benefits, there is no need to show that construction workers accidents were caused by a person’s negligence as personal injury claims would require. However, a lawyer may greatly benefit clients by bringing together all the evidence and working to negotiate for a fair settlement.