Hiring, Training, Or Supervisory Negligence Can Cause Serious Construction Accidents

In the United States, employers are required to provide workers with safe work environments—even in the construction industry, where the jobs are inherently dangerous. Fortunately, implementing the appropriate safety protocols and precautions can help construction employers and their staff avoid potential hazard and prevent accidents.

Many construction companies are quick to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations requiring employers to provide workers with fall protection and other safety systems when necessary. However, they may be less exacting when it comes to hiring, training, or supervising employees.

Though this type of negligence may not initially seem dangerous or deadly, it can be. Construction workers who aren't properly vetted, sufficiently trained, or adequately supervised can endanger everyone on the job site.

This negligence increases the risk of workplace accidents that could potentially leave the employer on the hook for injuries and other damages.
If you're a construction worker injured in an on-the-job accident caused by an employer's hiring, training, or supervisory negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Here's what you need to know.

Hiring and Training Negligence

Construction is dangerous work and as a result, employees must be both qualified and trained well. Unfortunately, during the hiring process, negligent employers may not do everything they can to ensure they have the right person for the job. For example, when hiring a new construction crew member, employers may fail to verify the applicant's qualifications or skill level, or test for drug use.

However, even employers who are painstaking in their hiring processes can still be considered negligent if they rush the new hire out to the construction site without providing proper job and safety training. If a worker who didn't receive the necessary safety training causes an on-the-job accident, the employer could potentially be responsible for any injuries that occur as a result.

Supervisory Negligence

On the job site, general contractors and other supervisors are tasked with overseeing all aspects of the project. This includes ensuring compliance with both OSHA and company safety regulations, and that work is completed correctly. When general contractors and other construction management personnel fail to provide adequate supervision, accidents, injuries, and even deaths can result.

Supervisory negligence comes in many forms. Examples that could lead to an accident or personal injury claim include:

• Poor communication between supervisors, construction crew workers, and construction company owners
• Failing to listen to or address workers' safety concerns
• Inadequate supervision of employees using hazardous tools or machinery
• Failing to supervise employees working with or around hazardous chemicals and substances
• Allowing untrained, impaired, or intoxicated workers operate heavy machinery
• Failing to ensure that workers comply with all required safety regulations
• Failing to evaluate employees' work for competence and safety
• Ignoring threats of violence between crew members
• Refusing to address sexual harassment in the workplace

Damages Available in Construction Accident Cases

Injured construction workers who file personal injury lawsuits alleging hiring, training, or supervisory negligence on the part of an employer can seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses and wages lost while recovering from accident-related injuries.

Construction accident personal injury claimants can also pursue a financial award for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and scarring or disfigurement.

Consult an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney

Were you injured in a construction accident caused by an employer's negligence? If so, it's important to consult with an attorney knowledgeable about this industry to ensure you understand your legal rights and options.

McGartland Law Firm's award-winning legal team can help you explore your options and fight for the compensation you deserve after a construction accident injury. Contact McGartland Law Firm today to schedule an appointment for a free, no-obligation initial case analysis.