The construction industry contributes to a high number of workplace accidents every year. In fact, the fatality rate for workers killed in construction accidents is the third highest among all accidents that occur in the workplace. Although employer negligence is a prime factor in many of these accidents, defective construction equipment also plays a big role.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for the design and manufacturing of various types of equipment used in the workplace. These include regulations for the safe design of cranes, forklifts and scaffolding, as well as design safety standards for power tools, machinery, ladders and other equipment used on construction sites.

Defective Cranes

Many construction accidents can be attributed to malfunctioning or defective components of a crane. Cranes, hoists and rigging mechanisms must be free from defects that contribute to crane instability. Defective parts can cause cranes to tip over or collapse, leading to severe injuries to crane operators as well as other workers in the vicinity. Wire ropes and sling ropes used in rigging systems must be sturdy, reliable and free from wear and tear.

Defective Forklifts

Forklift operations are governed by complex physical principals that enable the forklift to pick up and carry specified objects over large areas. By their very design, these machines tend to be delicately balanced. However, forklift manufacturers are required to include safety mechanisms in the design to protect workers and forklift operators in the event of a tip over. For instance, operator restraint systems like seatbelts are not mandatory on older forklifts, but newer industrial power trucks are required to be fitted with these protection systems, which can protect an operator from being crushed if the forklift rolls over.

Defective Scaffolding

OSHA has extensive rules established for the correct design and construction of scaffolding. These include provisions for the right size and dimensions of the guard rails, platforms and footings. They also include provisions for the installation of personal fall protection systems. Most scaffolding accidents can be traced to faulty design and improper construction that result in a weak and unstable structure. Defective scaffolding accidents can include falls, scaffold collapses, electrocutions if the scaffold is erected too close to a power line and workers being hit by falling objects from a higher level in the absence of protective guard rails to prevent materials and tools from falling down.

While employers are required to maintain and inspect construction equipment regularly, manufacturers are also mandated to ensure the equipment is strong enough to support loads and includes all necessary safety mechanisms to prevent accidents.