Great heights, heavy machines and underground or roadside work zones all show inherent dangers in a construction site. Some occupations exposed to potential construction hazards are roofers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and steel workers. But even if this is the case, the Center for Construction Research and Training’s recent trend report reveals that construction employment still rose to as much as 11.4 million.
If you know the threats in your chosen field, you must know that you can also seek workers’ compensation and file a personal injury claim if you have been in harm’s way.
Top areas of concern
Despite a 25% decrease in New York’s construction fatality numbers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s “fatal four,” also known as the “focus four,” remains to account for two-thirds of lethal occupational injuries. These leading causes of construction deaths include:
- Falls: Slips and trips, incidents related to cranes, lifts, roofing, scaffolding and ladders
- Struck by objects: Unstable movements like rolling, falling, swinging and flying
- Caught in or between: Being caught in or between objects that could squeeze, crush or compress
- Electrocutions: A destructive dose of electrical energy commonly caused by defective wiring, power tools and cords
These construction site risks are deadly but still preventable. When proper site inspections, training programs and safety procedures are in place, construction site workers can proceed to make a living safely.
Forging a solid legal foundation
Nonemployer stakeholders may be liable for your injuries. Responsible parties may include product manufacturers of faulty tools, negligent subcontractors and even bystanders or visitors who may have compromised your work. If this happens, a well-versed legal resource can help you assess the circumstances of your case and work toward a fair compensation for you.