Construction Site Deaths and the Fatal Four

 Posted on May 19, 2016 in Personal Injury

Workers on construction sites extreme face danger daily by virtue of the type of work they do, and the risk of a workplace fatality is very real. This danger is exacerbated when safety precautions are compromised, putting workers at further risk. When preventable accidents happen, the consequences can be deadly. If fortunate to survive, workers are often left battling catastrophic injuries.

If you have been hurt or have a loved one who was killed on a construction site, contact a personal injury attorney with experience litigating these types of cases. You may be entitled to compensation that can alleviate some of the costs and burdens associated with your suffering and recovery.

Top Dangers on Construction Sites

Construction sites can take several different forms; from building sites, dig sites, excavation and trenching, and roadway/highway improvement areas. Each type of site presents unique, dangerous circumstances. Project Managers are required to implement effective safety protocols, but in the interest of cost cutting, safety shortcuts occur frequently.

Throughout the United States, there were approximately 4,250 private industry worker fatalities in 2014. Of these, more than 870 occurred in a construction-related setting, representing about one out of every five workplace fatalities.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites, aptly naming them the "Fatal Four." According to OSHA reports, the Fatal Four were responsible for more than half of all construction worker deaths in 2014, and include:

1. Falls;
2. Electrocution;
3. Being struck by an object; and
4. Being caught in or between equipment or structures.

Eliminating the Fatal Four would save more than 500 lives in America every year, according to OSHA estimates.

Contributing Factors

Common violations which lead to the Fatal Four often include inadequate fall protection, ineffective scaffolding, faulty electrical systems or wiring methods, missing or inadequate machinery guards, and inefficient respiratory protection. While certain shortcuts may appear to offer time or cost savings, they often create additional risks for workers, leaving them very vulnerable.

Preventative measures may consist of ensuring correct installation of safety equipment, regular maintenance checks, and not putting unnecessary strain on equipment. Fall protection in the form of guards and railings and prepared emergency response teams are also helpful. Effective communication between contractors and management is crucial to create a safe working environment.

Who To Call?

When you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, you need an attorney who is ready to fight on your behalf. If you have lost a family member to a construction site accident, your need for legal guidance is even greater. Contact an experienced DuPage County personal injury attorney today to discuss your case and the recovery options that may be available to you. Call 630-920-8855 to schedule your a free consultation at Martoccio & Martoccio today.

Sources:

https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html

http://abc7chicago.com/tag/construction-accident/

http://www.safety.com/articles/top-10-construction-site-accidents-and-how-prevent-them