Wherever you work, you have the right to be safe and protected from harm. Your employer has a duty of care to you, and to all other employees, to ensure that the environment you work within is not damaging to your health, and that the equipment and tools you use within your job are safe and in good condition.

Some jobs involve a higher level of risk than others, and the building trade is an industry with an inherent high-risk level. It’s important to ensure that your employers are meeting their obligations and keeping you and others safe, but it’s also essential to be aware of measures you can take in order to keep yourself safer.

Staying Safe In A High Risk Job

1.    Pay attention to equipment. All equipment you use, including tools and specific safety kit such as hard hats, should be in good condition and fit for purpose. Anyone who works on a building site must be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) and this must be appropriate for the nature of the work they are undertaking. You should check equipment each time you use it, as wear and tear or accidents can cause damage that may render equipment unsafe.

2.    Be aware of safety warnings. Employers are legally obliged to highlight any unsafe areas on their premises, and to fix these as soon as possible. You should be aware that any dangerous areas may be indicated by signs, even if these are temporary, and that you must pay attention to these. If you notice an area that presents a hazard, you should inform your employer at once.

3.    Take extra care when working at height. Working on scaffolding presents a hazard in itself, since falling from height is the biggest cause of death or serious injury in the construction industry. Ensure you follow safety protocol at all times, and never take a risk when working at height: it simply isn’t worth it.

4.    Check and double check. Even if you are very careful within your work, you should be aware that your life may depend on how careful someone else has been. Hazards on building sites include collapsing scaffolding and ill-used machinery, and you should never take the level of experience or expertise of a colleague for granted. Double-checking that things have been set up safely could save your life.

5.    Don’t take unnecessary risk. Even if you’re up against a deadline, you should consider whether it is safe for you to do the work you are planning to carry out. If you are ill or tired, or the weather is making conditions unsafe, you should put the safety of yourself and your team first, and wait until you are certain it is safe.

Find Personal Injury Solicitors in Cork

If you have had an accident at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Here at Irwin, Kilcullen & Co Solicitors, we have great experience in this area, and we will be happy to talk to you about your situation and advise you on whether you may have a case.

Contact Irwin, Kilcullen & Co Solicitors for a free consultation without obligation. Simply contact us online or call us today on +021 4270934 to discuss your situation with our friendly team.