If you work construction, you know how hard the work is. The physical labor, the long hours, and the often-harsh working conditions all add up. Yet you may not be aware of just how dangerous construction work is. In fact, statistics show that construction work is one of the most hazardous jobs you can engage in. Construction accidents happen, so make it your habit to always make safety on the job your top priority.
Construction Work Is Dangerous Work
Of all the workplace fatalities in the U.S., 21 percent are related to construction work, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Put simply, construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations out there. In fact, OSHA goes so far as to break the dangers of construction work down into the fatal four. These fatal four categories include accidents that involve falls, accidents that involve being struck by an object, accidents that are related to electrocution, and accidents that involve being caught in between objects.
No matter how the accident is classified, every construction accident is a potentially dangerous accident. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you need expert legal guidance. At Emroch & Kilduff, we understand how catastrophic construction accidents can be and we’re here to help guide your workers’ compensation claim toward its most just resolution.
Falls on the Construction Site
Nearly 40 percent of serious construction-site accidents involve a fall, and these accidents, therefore, are the most common construction-site accidents. Construction work often takes place far above the ground, and as such, falls on construction sites can be especially dangerous.
Construction work, for obvious reasons, involves heavy, dangerous equipment that often elevates construction workers off the ground. Such equipment can include cranes, ladders, scaffolding, and other heavy-duty machinery. When such equipment isn’t erected safely, isn’t used in accordance with its intent, or isn’t maintained adequately, it can heighten the danger of the construction site—which is dangerous enough, to begin with.
Construction Sites and Falling Objects
As established, construction sites are dangerous places and accidents happen—this includes accidents involving falling objects. Nearly 10 percent of construction fatalities, in fact, are caused by falling objects. Construction work requires heavy tools, bulky building materials, and construction debris. When construction sites aren’t carefully maintained and when these objects aren’t carefully monitored with a well-constructed safety plan, serious falling-object accidents can ensue.
Falling objects are extremely dangerous, and while hard hats and work zone warning signs can help, they represent a mere starting point when it comes to keeping construction workers safe on the job.
Construction Site Electrocutions
Nearly all construction work incorporates electricity, and construction accidents involving electrocution are nearly as prevalent as accidents involving falling objects. In fact, nearly nine percent of fatalities on construction sites involve electrocutions. Unfortunately, construction work necessitates working with electricity in a variety of different forms, and when this dangerous factor of construction work isn’t adequately monitored for safety, construction workers face increased dangers.
Caught in or Between Heavy Objects on the Site
Construction sites are rife with huge machinery, heavy and cumbersome building materials, and bulky equipment. While all these elements of construction are dangerous in and of themselves, they become even more dangerous if you accidentally become wedged, caught, or trapped by or in between their mammoth bulk. Such caught-in-between accidents account for more than seven percent of all construction site fatalities.
Keeping construction sites free of dangerous working conditions, including traps such as these, is critical to keeping the job site safer for everyone. When construction companies fail to carefully maintain adequate safety conditions, they fail to uphold their duty to provide you with a reasonably safe working environment.
Catastrophic Injuries
Workers’ compensation specifically addresses catastrophic injuries, which are defined as those injuries that are both serious and permanent and that leave victims unable to continue to work in any gainful capacity. Such injuries are often life-altering and can require assistance with daily living or even constant care. There are several catastrophic injuries that are most closely associated with construction accidents, such as:
- The amputation of a limb or limbs
- Permanent disfigurement
- Blindness
- Serious burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Any injury that’s serious enough to prevent a construction worker from being able to do any (or nearly any) work
OSHA Standards Violations
Of OSHA’s top ten most frequently cited standards violations in 2016, there are three that are specific to construction sites:
- Fall protection standards on construction sites (which is number one, overall)
- Scaffolding standards on construction sites (which is number three, overall)
- Standards for ladders on construction sites (which is number seven, overall)
Your Construction Claim & Construction Accident Attorneys
No matter how you look at it, construction work is dangerous work. Keep this in mind when you head out to the job site each morning. If you are injured on the job, protect your just compensation by consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer before you even consider signing a settlement. Workers’ comp claims are notoriously complicated, and it’s difficult to estimate the extent of the injuries you’ve suffered at the outset.
Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that workers’ compensation insurance is in the business of paying out as little as possible. While they are held to legal and industry standards, their bottom line remains their top priority. Allow your workers’ comp attorney to aggressively advocate for your rights.
If You Suffered an Injury in a Construction Accident, Contact a Skilled Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury in a construction accident, you know how difficult that can be. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys of the Richmond, Virginia, legal team at Emroch & Kilduff have the expertise and dedication to help you recover the benefits to which you are entitled.
We will carefully examine your claim, outline your legal rights for you, and guide your case toward its most just conclusion. We’re here to help, so contact or call us at 804-358-1568 for your initial consultation today.