When you go to work at a construction site in San Diego, you assume that all safety precautions and safety measures have been taken by your employer. You assume that your coworkers have been properly trained, that the equipment is functioning correctly, and that you are not in danger. However, all too often this is not the case. According to the most recent findings of the United States Department of Labor, construction site accidents resulted in 849 fatalities last year alone. More staggering is the statistic that approximately 4 out of 100 construction workers were injured on the job.
OSHA reports the leading cause of worker deaths on construction sites fell, followed by falling objects, electrocution deaths, and caught-in or between machinery. These “Fatal Four” were responsible for more than half the construction-related deaths in 2012.
For a construction worker, an injury can be utterly devastating for them, as well as any family members relying on them because for these workers their livelihood depends on their physical abilities. A fall or a heavy machinery accident can end a construction career.
We take a look at the most common construction-related injuries:
1) Falls:
Falls are the primary cause of construction accidents. Whether on a ladder or walking along with an unfinished building, construction workers spend most of their workday high above the ground. The most strictly enforced safety standard for construction sites concerns fall prevention, and for good reason. OSHA reports that more than one in three construction accidents involves a fall. That’s why it’s imperative for employers to install railings around sites and follow all safety protocols when it comes to cranes.
2) Falling Objects
Hard hats help, but they can’t deflect every tool or piece of rebar. Falling objects and debris are notoriously dangerous when it comes to falling objects and can cause traumatic brain injuries requiring special attention and lifetime care. NBC San Diego recently reported a construction worker at the San Diego airport site was sadly killed when rebar fell and crushed him.
3) Electrocution
With the presence of heavy power tools, temporary lighting, and exposed wire on a construction site, electrical hazards are everywhere. The reality of the matter is that these issues are often interconnected. Electrocution can occur high in the air, causing a worker to fall or drop a tool.
If you have suffered an injury while working on a construction site, we can help you seek the compensation you need to keep your family afloat while you recover. It is important to engage an attorney to evaluate your right to damages beyond a worker’s compensation case. If you are injured on a construction site due to the negligence of another or faulty equipment your injury may warrant filing a civil lawsuit to adequately compensate you for your injuries. Contact the attorneys at Martinez & Schill LLP who are experienced in both construction litigation and personal injury lawyers.