an industrial workplace

How to Prevent Obstructed Lines of Sight on a Work Site

You rely on your senses, including your eyesight, to alert you of any nearby dangers. On a construction site, having a proper line of sight of your surroundings is imperative to eliminating risks, avoiding imminent danger, and preventing on-the-job injuries. Below we discuss three safety tips that employers should implement to prevent obstructed lines of sight on a work site.

Keep Thoroughfares Clear

Construction sites are ever-changing environments, especially when active construction is underway. Forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, and other moving objects can easily block workers’ lines of sight, particularly in busy thoroughfares on the job site. Employers should instruct workers to keep these thoroughfares as clear as possible and not to linger in these hazardous areas.

Train Workers in Clear Communication

At times when workers are unable to rely on their line of sight, they need to be able to effectively communicate with others to let them know that they are limited in their ability to see and identify hazards. For instance, if one worker is backing up in a truck and is unable to see behind them, they should immediately ask for assistance so that potential crush injuries can be avoided.

Employers must instruct workers on proper communication strategies so everyone on the job site knows how to communicate when they are backing up into a line of sight they cannot see clearly.

Be Vigilant

A construction site is no place to kick back and relax. Hazards can pop up in an instant, and if employers and workers aren’t keeping a proper lookout for them, they can lead to serious or even catastrophic injuries. Equipment, such as forklifts, conveyor belts, elevated work platforms, and boom lifts, should be inspected frequently for defects and malfunctions. For instance, if a tool, machine, or another piece of equipment fails during use, those on the job site must be able to take action immediately. Employers must train workers to remain vigilant and prioritize lines of sight so that risks may be mitigated in a timely manner.

If you have been injured on a construction site for any reason, be it because of a defective product, lack of training, negligent coworkers or workers from other trades and contractors, or a defective product, you may have legal rights to pursue justice and compensation.

Backed by decades of legal experience and a track record of success, you can rest assured that the team at Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation will fight to safeguard your best interests. Contact our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at (866) 884-1717 to schedule your free case review.

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