Fatal Construction Accidents

    ORLANDO, FL, July 09, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Workplace accidents are an all too common occurrence in the United States, each year there are more than 5,000 workplace accidents across all industries. Construction jobs lead as the most dangerous occupation. Construction occupations run the gamut of work-related hazards. Whether building homes, dams, roads, or skyscrapers, most construction work involves the use of dangerous tools, chemicals, and equipment that can lead to fatal construction accidents.

The Occupational Health Administration, OSHA, requires that construction companies that employ more than 20 workers are required to provide safety courses for their employees each year. Most small companies however, do not employ that many people on a full time basis. Construction jobs also have a high turnover with new laborers being trained continually.

Construction Dangers
Dangers vary greatly depending on the specific nature of the construction being performed. Obviously, large construction projects such as raising a skyscraper pose more dangers for both the workers and any passers-by that move through the area. The leading construction accidents involve:

- Work related truck accidents
- Falling from a height
- Electrocution
- Heavy equipment injuries
- Unsafe or untrained co-workers
- Hazardous materials

Construction Accident Statistics
According the OSHA, 31 percent of all work-place fatalities occur in the construction industry. More than 1000 construction accidents occur each year and most accidents are preventable with adequate safety measures and training. Other accident statistics:

- Workers age 25-34 were most likely to be injured
- Most workers will miss more than 30 days of work due to injury
- Falls account for more than 34,000 accidents
- More males are involved in construction fatalities than females

In the 2008/2009 year, the rate of fatalities dropped from an average of 3.4 deaths per 100,000 injuries to 2.4 per 100,000 injuries.

Accident Liability
Construction sites are required to be safe for both employees and visitors who travel through or near the construction site. There are many people who may be responsible for workplace safety, including:

- The property owner
- General contractor
- Sub-contractors
- Equipment manufacturers

Workers injured in a construction accident may be able to obtain compensation for medical claims and lost wages through the Workers Compensation program. Laborers who sustain injuries that outlast those benefits however, may be able to seek additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties. Families of a deceased worker may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to help mitigate lost wages and other damages.

Many construction fatalities can be attributed to old or shoddy equipment that is not properly maintained. Companies that take short cuts with their equipment and skirt safety regulations put their workers, and in many cases, the public in general in danger for construction injuries and even fatal accidents. Most construction accidents are preventable by implementing adequate training and safety measures. Failure to maintain equipment or provide adequate training may make the construction company liable for additional damages.

Please visit www.thefloridafirm.com, Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter, personal injury attorneys, today to find out more about construction fatalities and wrongful death claims.

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