Serious injuries and fatalities are more common on construction sites than most people realize. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, at least 20.5 percent of all work-related deaths occur in the construction industry. In 2019, 1,061 construction workers died despite 33,393 state and federal inspections. Another 200,100 suffered injuries.
A construction site is a minefield of potential accidents, and the four most common causes of death have become known as the industry’s “Fatal Four.” If you have suffered an injury on a construction site in Arizona, then contact a Scottsdale accident lawyer from Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm.
As an injured worker, you should not have to pay for lost income and medical bills out of your own pocket. Often, insurance companies try to pay less than what the victim needs to recover. This can lead to debt and eventual bankruptcy.
A personal-injury attorney from our firm can evaluate your case and fight for the maximum compensation. Call our office today at 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn about the “Fatal Four” accidents within the construction industry:
- Falls
The risk of death is three times higher in the construction industry, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains. Falls account for the majority of serious injuries and tragic accidents. Floor holes, unprotected openings and wall sides, flimsy scaffolding and unsteady ladders make falls a real possibility at any time.
If workers climb higher than 6 feet, then they must have fall arrest systems, safety nets or guardrails for protection. Additionally, all floor holes must have a cover that is strong enough to support double the weight of employees, equipment and materials. This is a regulatory requirement that the company must enforce at all times – or risk liability for resulting injuries.
- Electrocution
Live power lines can litter a construction site until electrical systems are complete. For this reason, the risk of electrocution is high.
Furthermore, workers can electrocute themselves if:
- They use extension cords incorrectly;
- There is no path to ground the electricity;
- Ground-fault protection is missing;
- Or workers fail to follow safety standards when using electrical equipment.
- Struck-by-Objects
Flying projectiles are common on construction sites, and they are leading causes of fatalities and catastrophic injuries. These accidents occur for several reasons such as falling objects, explosions, equipment malfunction and more.
Those working on higher levels frequently drop heavy, sharp objects, such as bricks or tools, onto those below. This can cause life-altering injuries, such as skull fractures and broken necks.
- Caught-in-Between
Workers can suffer terrible injuries if they become stuck between heavy objects that trap or crush them. Many die. Caught-in-between accidents are common when making trenches because they often cave in and trap people.
The construction industry is undeniably dangerous. If you were injured on a construction site, then you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Call the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm at 480-951-9700 to discuss your case with a Scottsdale personal-injury attorney.