The Flood Law Firm > Construction Accidents

Construction Accidents

Construction accidents on the jobThere is an elevated level of danger associated with construction work, and that makes it essential to follow safety regulations. Ignoring proper precautions or violating protocols can lead to serious injury or death.

However, accidents occur every day on job sites. If you have suffered an on-the-job injury, a construction accident attorney may be able to help you get what you deserve.

  • Safety Issues That Lead to Construction Accidents

    Elements of a construction area, such as equipment, machinery and hazardous materials, put a person’s safety at risk. Common construction accidents include:

    • Crane or other machine accidents
    • Scaffolding falls
    • Electrocution
    • Exposure to hazardous materials
    • Inadequate respiratory protection
    • Lack of safety equipment

    Connecticut statistics show that every year approximately 40,000 workers are injured on residential construction sites.

     

  • How Work Injuries Can Be Prevented

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several regulations in place to prevent worker injuries. Many of the construction accidents that occur could be prevented if rules are properly enforced. Safety topics include:

    • Ladders: There must be at least a three-foot extension above the upper landing level for which a ladder is being used to gain access.
    • Head protection: Employees are required to wear head protection where there is potential danger of a head injury from impact due to falling or flying objects. Helmets must meet certain requirements.
    • Stairways: Stairways must be constructed every 12 feet or less of a vertical rise; all parts must be free of hazardous elements, such as protruding nails.
    • Training: Employers are required to train each employee who may be exposed to fall hazards, and any employee working at a height that exceeds six feet must have support from guardrails or safety nets.

  • Work Zones Pose Risk

    In addition to the number of worker injuries that occur from onsite construction accidents, roadway work zones pose hazards for workers who build, repair and maintain the country’s bridges and highways. In 2013, 405 of these workers were killed on the job – more than one worker every day, on average.

    Transportation-related construction accidents accounted for 76 percent of work zone fatalities, with the following occupations making up 75 percent of occupational deaths:

    • Highway maintenance workers
    • Construction laborers
    • Truck drivers
    • Construction equipment operators
    • First-line supervisors of construction

  • Why Hire a Construction Accident Attorney?

    A case involving a construction accident can be complex. A full investigation is necessary to put together conclusive evidence to support the claim. Eyewitness accounts, construction site setup and potential OSHA violations are all parts of the case that need to be explored.

    An attorney with construction accident experience has access to resources that help piece together photographs, interviews, employee documentations and other materials necessary to build a strong case.

     

  • Contact The Flood Law Firm

    If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, contact the Flood Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. You may be eligible for compensation. There is no obligation and a case evaluation is free.