Construction sites are inherently dangerous places to work. Every year, countless workers are injured or killed as a result of workplace negligence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keep track of construction site accidents, and their findings show that these accidents are all too common.
Recovering From Construction Negligence
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you have been injured in a construction accident. However, in some cases, you may also be able to file a third-party claim against the negligent party. Read on to learn about five common examples of construction workplace negligence and what to do if you’re injured on the job.
1. Lack of Fall Protection
According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in construction accidents. Workers who work on ladders or scaffolding are particularly vulnerable to falling and being seriously injured or killed. Under OSHA regulations, employers are required to provide workers with fall protection when working at heights of six feet or more above a lower level. This fall protection can include guardrails, safety nets, Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS), and other methods approved by OSHA.
2. Scaffolding Issues
Scaffold-related accidents are also quite common in the construction industry. These accidents can occur when scaffolds are not properly erected or maintained, when workers unknowingly use defective scaffolding equipment, or when employers fail to use the proper safety precautions while their employees are working on scaffolding. Employers are required to follow OSHA’s scaffolding standards to help prevent these types of accidents from occurring.
3. Trench Collapse Accidents
Trench collapse accidents often occur when excavations are not properly shored up or supported. These types of accidents can be particularly dangerous because they often involve heavy machinery or equipment, which can crush or trap workers who are caught in the collapse. Employers are required to take certain precautions when excavating trenches, including sloping the sides of the trench away from the excavation site, installing supports around the perimeter of the trench, and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Crane Accidents
Crane-related accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Overturning due to being overloaded with materials
- High winds topple them over
- Collapse due to defective parts or poor maintenance.
- Contact with electrical lines
If you were injured in a crane-related accident on a construction site, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits from your employer as well as damages under a third-party claim against another negligent party such as the general contractor, crane operator or even crane manufacturer.
5. Electrical Accidents
Many construction sites involve live electrical wires, which can pose extreme dangers if they come into contact with water sources, uninsulated tools, or other conductive objects. Employees who work near electrical hazards should be properly trained in how to stay safe and avoid potential injuries. If an employer fails to provide this type of training or does not maintain safe working conditions, burn injuries, electrical shock, or even electrocution may occur.
Anesi Ozmon Protects Your Rights After a Workplace Injury
Construction sites can be hazardous places to work. If you have been injured on the job, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately. You may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and/or damages under personal injury law. An experienced attorney can help investigate your claim further and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, call us today at 312-997-5784.