Fatigue Becomes Leading Factor in Construction Accidents

Workers are not being honest with themselves about being tired on the job. They feel the fatigue, but they push themselves to keep working, says a new report compiled by the National Safety Council. The polling conducted in this report shows that employers are more concerned about the problem of workers showing up for work exhausted.

Employers know that worker fatigue costs them money in injuries and errors that lead to delays and litigation. Ninety-three percent of employers describe fatigue as a significant safety issue. Workers agree that fatigue is an issue, but at a lower rate, with only 72 percent. Adults are required to obtain seven to nine hours of sleep each night to be well-rested. After 16 hours of continuous activity, a person can start to feel the effects of fatigue.

The Safety+Health report lists construction as the most dangerous for fatigue-related injuries. Manufacturing, transportation, and utilities are also cited for the frequency and seriousness of these injuries. Every single construction worker in the study reported at least one risk factor for fatigue, including shift work, working high-risk hours, demanding work, long shifts, inadequate sleep, lack of breaks, quick shift returns, and lengthy commutes. Workers need to understand the risks they take working when they are not up to it. When injuries do occur, workers need to put the law to work for them.

Defining Fatigue

Fatigue is an umbrella term that includes tiredness, sleepiness, low energy, and the need to exert greater effort to get tasks done. Different factors lead to fatigue, such as the physical difficulty of the work, disturbed sleep, the monotony of the work, diet, challenging work schedules, a stressful work environment, and overall health.

In construction, fatigue can be a factor in every kind of accident. Falls, being struck by objects, tool accidents, collisions while driving, fires, and explosions can all be brought on by the inattention and weariness that accompany fatigue. This imbalance is dangerous in any industry, but it becomes critical in industries where injuries caused by fatigue can lead to a catastrophic injury or fatality. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one fatality on work sites and driving big vehicles on a construction site while fatigued can result in disastrous accidents.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Workers Harmed on Construction Sites

Construction work is inherently dangerous. If you have been injured on the job due to fatigue or for any other cause, you need the help of the Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law. We will hold the negligent party accountable for their actions, so that you can focus on recovery. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas. Contact us online or call us at 215-426-4493 for a free case evaluation today.