Surprise advanced to become Arizona’s fastest growing city, ahead of Gilbert, Peoria, and Chandler, in 2016. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, it was the only Arizona city in the top 10 fastest growing cities in the nation. The rest were in Texas.
Surprise is located about 45 minutes away from Phoenix and offers hiking and wildlife viewing at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, fishing at Surprise Lake and several golf courses such as the Desert Springs Golf Course. The city was founded in 1938 as a small farming community.
Because of Surprise’s rapid growth, construction crews are everywhere. Construction vehicles, building materials and even road blocks are becoming more prevalent sights through the entire city.
The Dangers of Construction
It’s not surprising that some of the most dangerous jobs are found in the construction industry, and that the Bureau of Labor Statistics said construction had the most occupational fatalities out of all industries in 2014. Construction workers often have to deal with heavy objects, work at heights, use dangerous power tools and are more likely to be exposed to hazardous substances. They drive large vehicles that carry heavy, sharp and hazardous objects. They risk getting struck by falling objects or hit by heavy machinery. They also might be exposed to electricity accidents and burn injuries.
And it’s not just people in the construction industry who have to be careful; people who live and work near construction sites must use caution as well. While explosions and electrical accidents are rare, they can happen and when they do, they often affect local residents. Bystanders also might be harmed by hazardous materials, construction vehicles, or unattended tools and machinery. Pets and children might wander into unsecured construction sites and be injured. Objects can fall from heights and cause property damage or worse — they can injure people in the vicinity.
Cutting Down on Construction Risks
While construction jobs are inherently more dangerous than most, there are many ways to mitigate those dangers. For example, construction sites can be properly secured with child and pet-proof fencing to keep innocent victims away from heavy machinery, sharp tools and deep foundations. Tools can be locked away in trucks or tool boxes. Objects like tools and building materials should not be stored at heights where they can easily fall on someone below. Trucks and machines should be locked and keys should go with the drivers and operators.
Anyone inside the site should wear helmets and other protective gear like glasses, gloves and even masks when there are hazardous substances present. All workers should be properly certified and should work only within their area of expertise. Any dangers should be reported immediately to avoid accidents and injuries. Drivers should be properly licensed and should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor drive while they are distracted.
People who work or live near construction sites should be warned about possible risks to themselves, their property and their pets. Workers should notify them about dangers, road blocks, electricity outages, and toxic substances that are in the area. If there is a chance of objects falling near or on a neighbor’s property, workers should make sure no one accidentally wanders into the area.
Contact a Knowledgeable Construction Accident Attorney
If you are the victim of a construction accident, it’s important to get assistance from someone knowledgeable about your type of injury. Construction sites are required to have necessary insurance to cover costs when someone is injured or property is damaged. You should not have to face these bills alone, especially if your accident could have been prevented.