Unloading Trailers (Construction) Picture This

unloading-trailers

What’s wrong in this picture? 

Construction workers rely on a constant flow of building materials in order to do their jobs, and unfortunately, employees are often injured while loading and unloading these supplies. From the shifting of materials in transit to objects falling during unloading, moving and storage is a common cause of construction injuries and fatalities—and workers may be owed compensation for these accidents.

The flatbed segment of the trucking industry has a unique set of challenges and hazards that, if not properly managed, can lead to worker injuries or deaths.

Every day an untold amount of loads of various materials, tools, equipment, etc. are transported and offloaded at construction sites all around the world. While the task of taking a load off of a trailer is usually a straightforward process, there are many things to consider. Just like any other task, there needs to be proper preplanning to ensure a safe and efficient process.

There are many things that need to be considered before a load just shows up to the site. Proper preplanning and communication to all those involved in the task is critical to ensure the process of receiving loads at the job site goes smoothly.

Hazardous materials and heavy equipment must be stored adequately while not in use, and must be transported in a way that will prevent injury to workers and passers-by. If items are not properly secured at all stages, they may shift, fall, or break free, causing a variety of injuries.

There are many reasons employees are injured during the handling and storing of materials, but nearly all of them can be traced to negligence.