Common Construction Site Injuries
Why is Construction One of the Most Dangerous Occupations in America?
Construction work is dangerous. Heavy equipment, large loads, power tools, multi-level work surfaces, and numerous contractors working at the same time means that there is always the possibility of injury. This is why OSHA, the Occupational safety and Health Administration, has strict safety rules for construction sites and construction workers.
Most employers follow OSHA regulations and do their best to eliminate hazards at job sites. But, accidents still happen. One out of every ten construction workers will suffer an injury this year and one out of every five worker deaths will occur at a construction site. This means that construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in Pennsylvania.
Common Construction Site Injuries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey:
- Falls from elevated surfaces
- Falling objects
- Ladder accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Building collapse
- Roof collapses
- Floor collapses
- Trench collapses
- Structure failure
- Elevator shaft falls
- Inadequate guarding and railings
- Improper machine guarding
- Unsafe tools and equipment
- Defective conveyor belts
- Dangerous hoists
- Tractor rollovers and accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Heavy equipment accidents and rollovers
- Crane accidents
- Electrical accidents
- Fires
- Welding accidents
- Exploding compressor and compressor accidents
- Gas explosions
Who is Responsible for Construction Site Injuries?
In Pennsylvania and in New Jersey, injured workers are covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation. Because their injuries are covered by their employer’s insurance policy, most workers cannot file a lawsuit for an on-the-job injury. Construction work is different.
Because construction work involves many hazards, it is important that all contractors at a worksite take safety seriously. If one subcontractor takes shortcuts, everyone at the site is put at risk. This means that many construction accidents are caused by a third-party, someone who is not the worker and is not the worker’s employer. This means that the injured worker has the right to seek damages from that third-party that is responsible for the injury. These damages go beyond workers’ compensation benefits and may include coverage of medical bills, reimbursement of past and future lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering.
Not sure if you have a case? Contact the construction site injury attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. We’ll be happy to schedule a free appointment to discuss your construction injury claim. We’ll let you know if you have a third-party case. There’s no obligation. Call (484) 351-0350 to make an appointment.
