The absence of appropriate safety precautions is likely to blame for most accidents that occur on construction sites. According to the findings of Albany construction accident lawyers, the number of injuries and deaths that appear on the job has been steadily increasing over the last several years, even though OSHA issues penalties to businesses that violate workplace safety regulations. What are the most typical factors that lead to accidents on construction sites?
MOST COMMON REASONS FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE MISHAPS
The Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that 5,190 Americans lost their lives in 2016 as a result of incidents at work. This equates to a death toll of nearly 14 per day, 365 days per year. Construction-related fatalities in the state are caused by four primary factors, which account for roughly 90% of all deaths. The “Fatal Four” accidents include the following:
- Falling From A Height
Accidents involving falls account for 38.7 percent of construction-related fatalities. Workplace fall protection regulations state that employers must examine if having to walk surfaces on which their employees will operate have the stability and relevance and is essential to sustain workers safely. Employees can work only when the covers are sufficiently strong and structurally sound.
- An Item Has Hit Me
Those killed after being struck by an object constituted 9.4% of the overall number of deaths. To ensure the safety of workers, employers must ensure that their workplace is secure and that they may move freely about it. Their obligation as an employer is breached if they fail to implement preventative measures or worse if they ignore them completely.
- Executions Via Electric Shock
Electric shocks killed 8.3 percent of the people who died. Details on wiring procedures, branch circuit standards, and more are included in OSHA’s Electrical Safety requirements for electrical-related Work.
The electrical safety at construction sites is of utmost importance because if not taken care of, it could lead not just to shocks but also cause fire that can turn out to be disastrous. The US Department of Fire responds to a fire every 24 seconds. With this frequency of fire hazards occurring in the country, it is recommended to put sufficient security in place for the protection of the people at site and your assets. Construction site security is one of the biggest concerns for contractors. If you are a property owner, or a construction company doing work that has a potential risk for fire hazards, it is required by NFPA to hire fire watch guards at the property. A fire can have a devastating impact on your construction project and assets. You can look out for the Fire Watch Guards Near Me to hire reliable, trustworthy, and experienced professionals for short-term or long-term services as per the need.
- Caught In The Middle Of Something
Trapped between such a wall and an item or equipment, 7.3% of victims died in 2016. It is the employer’s responsibility in most cases to provide a safe workplace. If you are requested to do an activity for which you are untrained, lack the necessary equipment, or deem it dangerous, you should refuse.
CONSTRUCTION SITE INJURY COMPENSATION: WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW
If a construction worker is hurt on the job, they may be eligible to file several of the following types of claims:
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance – Employees’ compensation payments are available to all New York construction workers, with rare exceptions. Those that fall under this category include both legal and illegal immigrants.
- Injuries To One’s Self
You may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit if a third party was negligent or reckless and caused you substantial damage.
If you were injured due to malfunctioning equipment, components, or tools, the manufacturer and distributor might be held accountable for your damages.
- Unjustified Death
Tragically, the deceased loved one in a building site accident is unimaginable. Construction site deaths often result in workers’ compensation death payments. The victim’s family may also file wrongful death claims to get compensation for funeral expenses, future wages, loss of companionship, and other losses.
Working on scaffolds and ladders has its own set of labor rules that protects construction workers, including those who use them. If you’ve been injured in an accident on a building job, you’re entitled to compensation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Anybody injured on a construction job must understand their legal rights and alternatives. To protect you and your family’s interests, the attorneys at our law company are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your legal rights and options.
For this reason, we understand that your life will be forever changed by accident at work. As a team, we’re dedicated to assisting injured employees and their families in regaining the financial stability they need to continue living productive and fulfilling lives. You only have a limited amount of time to file an injury claim, so don’t wait to speak with an expert member of our staff about your situation. Call them or go to their website immediately to set up a free consultation. Until you get compensation for your injuries, there is no charge.