Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Florida is known for its amusement parks and theme parks, and in the summer these parks see a lot of business. Unfortunately, each year personal injury and even fatalities do occur at theme parks. Unfortunately, because of the customers that theme parks attract, many of these incidents are injuries to minors and children. From broken bones to food poisoning, burn injuries, head injuries and spinal cord injuries, there are many potential risks at theme parks.

Theme park officials note that the rate of injury and death are small when the total number of visitors to theme parks is considered, but this is small consolation to those who lose a loved one or see a member of the family injured at a theme park. The Ripsaw Falls water-flume ride at Universal Studios caused three passengers back pain and neck pain within a four-month period. A man was pinned between vehicles on the DisneyWorld ride Peter Pan Flight. A 7-year-old child’s thumb was bitten by a dolphin at SeaWorld. Although these incidents did not often make the national news, these and other theme park injuries cost families stress, pain, and large medical bills.

It’s not just theme park guests who are at risk. Employees of theme parks are also vulnerable to injuries, especially during the busy summer months. In 2006, a SeaWorld trainer was attacked by a killer whale in California. The man was hospitalized for his injuries. Orlando DisneyWorld employee Javier Cruz was killed in 2004 when a float ran over him during a Magic Kingdom parade.

Florida does regulate ride safety at carnivals and fairs. However, larger theme parks – including DisneyWorld, SeaWorld and Universal Studios – are not subjected to state inspections. A ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services allows these parks to regulate themselves and requires the parks to hire their own maintenance crews, conduct their own ride inspections, conduct yearly safety presentations, and report any accidents and deaths to officials.

There are several things that parents and families can do to stay safer at theme parks this year. Parents can ensure that children are supervised at all times. Any instructions posted on the rides – including warnings about maximum and minimum heights and body weights – should be obeyed. Any verbal instructions given by employees and park staff should also be followed to the letter.

Continue reading "In the Heat of Florida Summers, Many Overlook Personal Injuries At Theme Parks" »

The Florida Highway Patrol has recently been promoting two campaigns to help reduce the number of car accidents in the state. The "Buckle Up Florida" campaign has been around for a while and has been designed to encourage Florida drivers and passengers to use their seat belts constantly in order to help prevent injuries in the event of a car crash. Thanks to the media efforts made, many Florida residents have heard of this campaign.

The "Move Over Florida" campaign which is currently being promoted by The Florida Highway Patrol is also the law. The law was passed in 2002 and requires any driver in Florida who is approaching emergency vehicles on the side of the road to change lanes. The law creates a vacant lane for the emergency vehicles and emergency personnel to work. If a driver on only on a two lane road, the driver must slow down to at least 20 miles an hour less than the posted speed limit.

The law is designed to help protect not only drivers but also the emergency personnel who might be at work on the side of the road. The Florida Highway Patrol reports that many accidents happen because drivers take too many risks and drive too close to the road where emergency vehicles are at work. This sort of driving can result in serious personal injury to emergency personnel and to the driver. It can also prevent anyone who is injured and getting medical help from getting to a hospital sooner.

Those who ignore the Move Over Florida law will be issued a ticket and will have to pay a fine. You can learn more about law by contacting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Both Florida Highway Patrol campaigns are aimed to keep drivers safer. Car accidents unfortunately still claim many lives in the state and cause serious injuries such as paralysis, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, disfigurement, loss of limbs, and brain injuries. Buckling your seat belt can help you avoid injuries if you are in a car accident while following the Move Over law can help you avoid car crashes.

One debate that has been raging in Florida for some months now involves the use of cell phones in cars. Some are calling for a ban on cell phone use by drivers, noting that many Florida car accidents happen when a driver is distracted while talking on the phone. Others maintain that it is possible to drive safely while speaking on a phone and suggest that drivers should be able to talk and drive. Some Florida citizens are calling for a compromise – let drivers talk on the phone only when using a hands-free service or ear piece.

Where do you weigh in?

Six states have already passed laws that make it illegal to drive while talking on a cell phone. Connecticut, New Jersey and New York have all banned cell phone use by drivers. Starting July 1, 2008 California drivers will not be able to use any wireless hand-held gadgets unless they are using hands-free devices. Drivers under the age of 18 will not be able to use any wireless hand-held gadgets, not even if they have hands-free devices.

Earlier in 2008, Florida law-makers introduced a number of bills aimed at reducing cell phone calls in moving cars, but none of the bills passed. One bill would have banned all Florida drivers from sending a call, texting, dialing, listening or speaking on a wireless device without a hands-free device. A second bill would have banned teen drivers from driving and talking on hand-held devices.

The statistics do seem to suggest that some legislation is needed. The CDC reports that car accidents are the leading cause of fatalities for teenagers. They are also the leading cause of death for drivers in their 20s and 30s. In addition to fatalities, car accidents also cause many serious injuries to drivers and passengers. These injuries can include life-altering injures such as paralysis, burn injuries, disfigurement, loss of limbs, spinal cord injury, head injury, and many others.

According to a 2002 Harvard Center for Risk Analysis study, about 2,600 fatalities each year are caused by drivers who are distracted by cell phones at the time of an accident. The California Highway Patrol did research in 2001 and found that during a nine month period 4,699 car crashes were linked to drivers distracted by cell phones. Of these accidents, 31 were fatal and another 2,786 resulted in injury. Another study conducted by the University of Utah found that drivers using cell phones had the same response times as drunk drivers. The drivers using cell phones, the research revealed, were 9% slower to brake and 19% slower to return to normal driving speeds.

The Florida Legislature decided five years ago to make it illegal for local jurisdictions to ban cell phones. In 2006, 26 car accident fatalities and 1,364 car accident injuries in Florida involved driver distractions, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 2003 statistics showed that most distracted drivers – 20% -- who caused an accident were talking on cell phones.

Nothing says “Florida” quite like the state’s miles of beautiful beaches and shorelines. While many tourists and residents alike flock to white sandy beaches in Florida to kick back and relax, a recent list from Forbes.com suggests that personal injury and some dangers may be lurking near Florida’s waters. According to experts, the top risks on Florida sands include:

1) Shark attacks. The International Shark Attack File reported that there were 112 incidents of humans and sharks meeting in the waters in 2007. Only one of the incidents resulted in a human fatality. New Smyrna, Florida, had the most shark attacks. The single Florida inlet reported 17 shark bites.

2) Lightning. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that Florida is one of the most perilous spots when it comes to fatalities and injuries caused by lightning. 71 deaths in Florida were linked to lightning between 1997 and 2006, which makes Florida the leader in lighting-related deaths. Florida beaches, including New Smyrna and Clearwater, are especially dangerous spots when it comes to lightning. In fact, these two beaches are often closed for days on end when the risks related to lighting are especially notable.

3) Boating accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division reports that Florida had 633 boating accidents and 68 fatalities in 2006 alone. This is the highest number of deaths and injuries caused by boating of any state. In addition to boating accident fatalities, Florida also reports serious injuries caused by boating accidents. These include broken limbs, brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious harm.

4) Drowning. Rip current drowning is an especial concern in Florida. The United States Life Saving Association reports that in 2007 10 people died in Brevard County, Florida from the rip current alone. Many more drowning accidents in the area were caused by other factors.

Continue reading "Florida Beaches Can Mean Personal Injury" »

Personal injury cases often involve a lot of potential money and fairly serious injury. Personal injury cases can involve spinal cord injuries that leave the victim paralyzed for life, or brain injuries that leave the victim incapable of taking care of themselves. In many cases, these sorts of lawsuits involve considerable loss of income for the victim. A personal injury attorney is what ultimately determines a victim's chances of getting legal assistance to cover medical treatments as well as lost income.

Insurance company attorneys want to pay victims the least possible amount, because paying out the least amount in damages is what keeps insurance company shareholders happy. Therefore, a good Florida personal injury attorney is essential when you're negotiating with an insurance provider. A good attorney is someone who does research carefully, represents you well in court, and is able to use concise, well-developed arguments to ensure that you get the best compensation possible. Finding such an attorney may seem like a tall order, but you can find one by:

1) Looking for a Florida personal injury lawyer that has many years of practice as well as a track record of successful negotiations in the same type of case you are involved in. Look for an attorney who has successfully been able to find compensation for victims in similar cases such as yours. A successful track record alone may convince the defendant in your case that your suit needs to be taken seriously, and a good track record generally proves that an attorney is able to successfully defend their cases in court.

2) Seeking out a personal injury attorney that will take your case on a contingency basis. Many Florida personal injury attorneys do this. It means that the attorney only takes out a legal fee at the end of the case and only if and when you win a settlement. If you don't get paid, you're not responsible for legal fees. Many attorneys will charge around 30% of the total settlement as a legal fee. Make sure that you understand what the legal fees will be once your settlement is reached, and make sure that you understand fully how the contingency fee plan will work with your attorney.

3) Speak to other people who have been clients of the same attorney, or seek testimonials from past clients. Once you've found a few attorneys who seem capable of taking on your case, either ask for recommendations, or ask friends and family to see who else has worked with the same attorney.

4) Speak to the attorney and make your decision based on ability as well as your overall impression of an attorney. An attorney who is highly respected in the field but who does not take the time to answer your questions or who does not seem interested in your case is unlikely to make you very happy. Even if your attorney is working on a contingency basis, you will eventually have to pay money for your legal fees, so you'll want to find an attorney you like. Find an attorney who listens to carefully, answers your questions, and returns your calls and messages when asked. Find someone who instills confidence in you.

Nursing home abuse and negligence is a serious problem, and one way you can help prevent it is to select a nursing home for your elderly relative very carefully. Florida has a number of nursing home and care facilities, and you can select the right one by:

1) Looking locally. Look for a nursing home care facility that is close to friends and family. This ensures that the resident of the nursing home will receive visitors often. In turn, frequent visitors are the best way to help prevent nursing home abuse and negligence. Frequent visitors can ask questions about any evident bruising, depression, or other red flag signs. Plus, if a resident has frequent visitors, it is harder for abusive caregivers to hide evidence of slip and fall accidents, undernourishment, and other personal injuries.

2) Asking a lot of questions. Call nursing homes that are within driving distance and ask about staffing, licensing, resident activities, certification, bed availability, special care amenities, and cost.

3) Meeting with staff at nursing homes. Once you've found a few nursing homes that seem promising, make sure to arrange to meet with staff in the nursing homes themselves in order to take a tour of the facilities. Keep in mind that staff will do their best to present their facility in the best possible light, but you should still be able to see any red flag signs -- such as odors, depressed residents, and lack of professionalism on the part of staff.

4) Ask for recommendations. Speak to friends and family who have placed an elderly loved one in a care facility. Ask them about their experiences with various care homes and care facilities, and speak to people who have placed elderly loved ones in specific homes.

5) Following up. Even once you've placed an elderly loved one in a nursing home or care facility, that does not end your involvement. Continue to make regular, unannounced visits to make sure that everything is going smoothly. Encourage your elderly loved one to speak about their experiences, and keep checking back to make sure that everything seems to be going smoothly. If there are any red flag signs at all, remove the elderly loved one from the facility immediately and contact an attorney or the authorities to get help.

Florida’s coastlines and many rivers and lakes make it an ideal place for boating. There are many boating enthusiasts across the state, and while the majority of them obey the laws and boat safely, there are still many preventable boating accidents that occur each year. These accidents can cause property damage damaged, fatalities, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, drowning, broken limbs, and many other types of injuries. In many cases, boating accidents involve alcohol or other forms of negligence and therefore lead to complicated legal cases as well. You can help provoke boating accidents by:

1) Learning all you can before you get on the water. Taking a boating safety course is an excellent way to learn more about the rules of the waterways and safe boating techniques. Learning about your craft and learning how to operate it safely are key ways to ensure that you and everyone around you stay safe in the water.

2) Boating in good weather, especially if you're just a beginner. If you are new to boating, it makes sense to stay on the water only when the weather is favourable and high visibility is possible. This will help prevent any possible accidents due to poor visibility, rough waters, and other environmental factors.

3) Wear personal flotation devices or life jackets at all times. This is simply the easiest way to ensure that you do not fall victim to drowning. Carry extra life jackets and personal flotation devices on board your craft, and ensure that every passenger who climbs aboard wears one from the time he or she gets on the boat to the time he or she disembarks.

4) Stay sober. The motion of a boat, the strong wins, and the tiredness that many boaters feel is only heightened by alcohol and other controlled substances. This means that even very small amounts of alcohol can impair you while you're behind the wheel of your craft. Avoid having any form of alcohol or controlled substance before you head on the water, and check your prescription medication carefully to ensure that it does not make you feel drowsy or sleepy.

5) Boat safely. Some boaters take risks, such as speeding near swimmers, boating very close to other vessels, jumping waves, or weaving through boat traffic at high speeds. All of these can result in legal penalties, and if you cause an accident while taking such risks you will be liable for any damages or injuries you cause.

6) Stay alert to the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Swimming or being near areas where boat engine exhaust accumulates can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Leaving your motor idling, or cooking or heating with fuels can also create a build-up of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has no odor, taste, or color. It is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors on board and use fuel-burning appliances on board only on deck or somewhere where good ventilation is available.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Boating Accidents: How You Can Help" »

There are many types of medical malpractice cases quite common in Florida: prognosis misdiagnoses, surgical negligence, birth injury, anesthesia malpractice, contaminated blood, and injury from prescription drugs. Injuries resulting from these cases can lead to fatalities, brain injuries, permanent disability, spinal cord injury, and many other types of serious ailments.

By definition, medical negligence, or medical malpractice, as it is sometimes known, occurs when a health-care provider does not act responsibly or reasonably, causing harm or injury to a patient. Unfortunately, medical malpractice is widespread. According to the Institute of Medicine, up to 90,000 people die every year in US hospitals because of medical mistakes. This makes medical mistakes a leading cause of death among Americans. More than 1.3 million patients are injured each year because of medication errors alone.

One problem that occurs when victims try to fight back against medical malpractice is that medical mistakes are sometimes posited as simply mistakes. Also, strong insurance policies for medical practitioners as well as a health-care providers’ determination to stick up for one another sometimes makes it difficult for victims to find out exactly what happened when a loved one sustained a serious injury or even died as a result of negligence.

If something unexpected has occurred during medical care, and this has resulted in a death or serious injury, you owe it to yourself to find out the truth and make any health-care provider accountable for the harm caused. This is important because finding out the truth can make you eligible for compensation which can help you deal with the financial burden of serious injury or death. Also, physicians who commit medical malpractice sometimes can be repeat offenders. By exposing a health-care provider’s negligence and recklessness, you could be saving other families from the same pain you feel now.

The best action to take if you have suffered a injury or have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice is to consult a good Florida attorney. A Florida lawyer with experience in medical malpractice cases can conduct an investigation to find out whether a mistake has been made. An attorney may also contact state regulatory boards as well as licensing authorities to ensure that other patients are not harmed.

Unfortunately, many medical malpractice mistakes cannot be undone. Even if you file a medical malpractice suit and are successful, the damage that was caused by the negligent actions often cannot be undone. However, seeking legal assistance can sure that the financial difficulties that you are facing as a result of the negligence can be corrected. Having a doctor's license revoked or suspended because he or she is reckless or negligent can also help prevent other people from falling prey to the same mistakes and that have affected you and your family.

Florida boating accidents not only claim lives every year, but they also cause many injuries injuries, ranging from brain injuries, burn injuries, fractured limbs, spinal cord injuries, and even permanent disability. You can often prevent a boating accident simply by following these tips before you head out on the water:

1) Check your personal flotation devices and life jackets to ensure that they are in good condition. There should be no tears, broken straps, broken snaps, or rips anywhere on your life jackets or flotation devices. If there are any equipment issues, make sure that you replace the items rather than heading out onto the water. Also, make sure that all personal flotation devices are close to you and ready to be used. Avoid locking them away in compartments or sealing them in plastic bags, as you will lose precious time if there is an accident. Also, make sure that you are wearing a life jacket on your boat as soon as you enter the water.

2) If your boat has a closed compartment or a motor, make sure that you have a fire extinguisher on board. Before you head out on the water, make sure that you can easily reach the fire extinguisher if needed, and make sure that the fire extinguisher is in good working order.

3) Before your boat leaves the dock, test your boat lights. If your lights are battery-operated, make sure that there are extra batteries on board. Even if you plan on being back before dark, it is a good idea to get into the habit of testing your boat lights. Sometimes, unexpected events may change your plans and you don't want to be stranded out on the water without adequate lighting.

4) Check the weather reports before leaving the house. Make sure that there are no lightning flashes, choppy waters, or sudden wind shifts, all of which can indicate a storm. Make sure that you have a portable radio on board so that you can listen for the latest weather report. Be ready to head back to shore at the first sign of a storm.

5) Check to make sure that you have a good emergency kit on board. This kit should include first aid supplies, maps, and flares. Ideally, keep your first aid emergency kit in a floating couch that is easily accessible even if your boat is capsized.

Continue reading "Before You Head Out On The Water, Follow These Simple Tips To Prevent Boating Accidents" »

Elderly abuse is caused by number of factors, but one of the most common factors has to do with caretakers who are unable or unwilling to take care of an elderly love one. Even in families where there's a lot of love and caring, the burden of suddenly having to take care of an extra person can create resentment, frustration, and eventually, in some situations, these feelings can lead to an abusive or neglectful relationship.

Some families feel as though they have no where to turn when they need help with an elderly loved one, and this feeling of entrapment can cause relationship breakdowns that can cause a caregiver to lash out. In cases where an elderly love one needs a lot of assistance or a lot of care, and in cases where a family relationship is already marked with strife, a good local nursing home or elder care facility can help prevent elder abuse in a number of ways:

1) By providing closer care. No matter how well-intentioned a family is in caring for an elderly loved one, most families do not have the organization, the staffing, or the presence required to prevent accidents such as slip and fall accidents, broken hips, and other accidents. A good local nursing home can provide around-the-clock care and ensures fewer accident opportunities. Closer care can also help prevent accidents caused by negligence.

2) By allowing family members to take breaks. In cases where abuse takes place between a caregiver and an elderly victim, stress and frustration on the part of the caregiver is often a key contributor to the abuse. Because local nursing homes are able to spread out duties over several staff members, each individual staff member is not stressed, and this allows them to provide good care and patience as well as understanding. In turn, the loved one’s family is allowed to have a break from care giving, which allows visits to be loving and calm.

3) By providing medial care. A local nursing home can provide medical attention, emergency attention, and medical care not accessible in most private homes. In the event of a sudden accident, such as a heart attack, spinal cord injury, broken bone, or other emergency requiring immediate care, family members may not know what to do to take care of an elderly loved one. In contrast, qualified staff at a good local nursing home often do have the medical training to react quickly. This can help ensure that an elderly loved one does not suffer from negligence or other problems that can result from tardy medical care. Plus, trained staff at local nursing homes can often spot signs of abuse promptly and can react quickly to stop abuse.

4) A local nursing home provides a peer group for an elderly loved one. In many cases, elder abuse occurs and continues because an elderly person is isolated. When an elderly person is cared for in a private home by family members or other caretakers, that elderly person may not often leave the house or spend time with friends outside of the home. This can allow abuse to occur and to go undetected for a long time. In contrast, elderly patients at good local nursing homes often take part in groups, activities, and are given the opportunity to socialize with other members of the nursing home community. This helps ensure a more active life that can also help prevent abuse.

According to a recent report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the number of infant deaths involving faulty nursery products has dramatically increased in recent years. According to the CPSC, 66 400 children under the age of five were seriously hurt in nurseries in 2006. In that same year, the number of infant injuries directly due to nursery products was 59 800.

In addition to these statistics, a number of high-profile cases have made parents aware of the sorts of injuries that faulty infant products can cause. In 2007, for example, over one million Simplicity bassinets and cribs were recalled. The infant beds were defective, and as a result at least four infants died as a result of them. According to an investigation conducted by the Chicago Tribune newspaper, both the company selling the beds and the CPSC had been aware that the cribs contained parts that when improperly installed could result in the suffocation and death of infants using the cribs.

According to the CPSC, infant products that are most likely to be associated with infant injuries and infant fatalities include car seats, high chairs, infant carriers, cribs, bassinets, strollers, and walkers. In many cases, the injuries to infants are caused by product failures or defective products. In nearly 42% of injuries, infants sustained head injuries or brain injuries as a result of falling while using infant products.

In addition to infant products, toys have also been found to cause deaths and serious injury. In 2007 alone, more than 25 million toys were recalled as defective products. In some cases, the instructions that came with the toys were unclear or incomplete, making it easy for parents to assemble or use the toys correctly. In some cases, the toys did not come with a warning about potential hazards or injuries.

Parents concerned about infant product safety might want to consider subscribing to newsletters and e-alerts about defective products. This helps parents immediately learn of potential dangers with products. Parents should also fill out the registration cards included with car seats, high chairs, infant carriers, cribs, bassinets, strollers, and walkers. Manufacturers will notify parents about any recalls.

Another option is for parents to use Google alerts, an online free service. Parents can have the search engine Google send an email alert any time a particular brand name or product is mentioned in the news. Simply setting up alerts for every infant product purchased will ensure that parents are alerted quickly after a recall. Google alerts is especially effective because investigative reporters will sometimes announce a possible problem or complaints about an infant product before a company recalls the item.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dog attacks are the leading public-health problem of children, and a leading cause of injuries to minors and children. In fact, according to the organization, more than half of children will be bitten by a dog before reaching age 12. These injuries often are far more serious than a nip on the hand. In some cases, dog bites can result in brain injury, permanent disfigurement, and even death. In addition to the personal pain caused by canine attacks, lawsuits and criminal prosecution can be the end result for pet owners.

While most parents know how important it is to teach their children to be cautious of strange dogs, most childhood victims are bitten by dogs who are close to them. In fact, dogs owned by a child's family and friends are the most likely culprits.

There are several things that parents can do to help prevent dog bites:

1) If your family owns a dog, socialize it out so that it feels comfortable with other animals and people. Keep the dog in calm situations and immediately remove it from any situation where it feels teased or threatened. Always keep your dog on a leash and take your dog to obedience school so that it is well trained. Also, take your dog to the vet regularly and make sure that your dog stays healthy. A family dog will even bite its owners if it is sick, injured, or in pain.

2) Teach your child to react correctly when approached by a dog. Teach your child to never run away from a dog, as this can encourage the dog to chase after the child. Show your child how to stay still until the dog leaves, or show the child how to back away slowly until he or she can no longer see the dog.

3) Practice with your child what to do in case of a dog attack. Make sure that you practice with your child so that your child knows to remain calm and avoid eye contact with the dog. Also, practice what might happen during a dog attack in which the child is knocked to the ground or falls to the ground. Teach your child to curl up into a ball, and to place their hands over their heads and necks to protect the face and head area. Practice this with your child until your child knows what to do. This is very important, since your child will likely be very frightened in the event of a dog attack and will be unlikely to remember anything you have told them. Your child is more likely to remember something you have practiced extensively.

4) Take a first aid course so that you know what to do in the event of a dog bite. Consider enrolling your child for a youngster’s version of the same course. If your child is attacked by a dog, knowing what to do can help you minimize possible injuries and can give your child a better chance of recovery.

Florida construction jobs can be highly satisfying. Construction professionals help build roads, buildings, and other infrastructures that Florida residents use every day. It can be very satisfying for these workers to see blueprints and plans turn into real buildings and real structures that people can use and enjoy. However, while the construction industry is highly useful, it can also be dangerous for its workers. The nature of construction work is risky, and fatalities and injuries do occur every year.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) law necessitates that employees are provided with a workplace that is free from hazards and is generally safe. However, despite the law, OSHA reports that each year 1000 construction workers die in workplace accidents while another 250 000 construction workers suffer injuries. Construction accidents across the US cost the construction industry $13 billion in worker’s compensation alone. This figure does not reflect the medical bills, lost productivity, pain and suffering, and legal costs that these accidents incur. According to OSHA, up to 90% of construction accident fatalities occur as a result of falls, electrocution, or workers being struck by objects. OSHA classifies these accidents as highly preventable.

Florida construction workers can stay safer on the job by:

1) Learning about and taking part in training programs. Your union, safety society, and employer all generally provide safety training programs that help you learn about safety rules, regulations and laws, and equipment. These courses can help you understand all that you can do in order to prevent slip and fall accidents on work sites, and other common accidents. These courses are an excellent investment of your time.

2) Learning about your equipment. Equipment on construction sites changes every few years, so if it has been some time since you have learned about new equipment or have taken training courses, this might be a good time to retrain yourself. Some employers even provide scholarships or assistance with funding so that you can return to classes and become an even better employee.

3) Using the rights protective equipment at all times. Even for a short job or a quick project, the right personal protective garments can help you prevent brain injury as well as many other personal injuries.

4) Following the rules. Observe the regulations of the construction site as well as the safety rules you've been taught. If you’re fuzzy about the rules and regulations, ask or learn them before returning to work.

5) Securing heavy loads promptly. When dealing with heavy loads, make sure that they are correctly loaded, tagged, and secured immediately. This will help prevent accidents caused by an oversight. You don’t want to wait to secure a load only to forget.

Continue reading "How Florida Construction Workers Can Stay Safer on the Job" »