Whatever the specific job entails, the safety should always be the paramount consideration on a construction project. Every day, workers face various hazards on building and repair sites, making construction one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a significant portion of construction fatalities can be attributed to four primary types of accidents, aptly named the "Fatal Four."
Listed within OSHA’s Fatal Four are the following categories of incidents:
- Falls — When a worker at a Sarasota construction site died in a fall from a ninth-story aluminum beam, he became part of a sad statistic. Falls are the leading cause of construction-related fatalities, accounting for a substantial portion of workplace deaths each year. Whether from scaffolding, ladders, roofs or unprotected edges, falls pose a significant risk to construction workers. OSHA emphasizes the importance of proper fall protection measures, including guardrails, safety nets and personal fall arrest systems, to prevent tragic accidents.
- Strikes from objects — Numerous construction site deaths occur when laborers are struck by flying, falling or swinging objects. These incidents can happen in many ways, such as when tools are dropped from high locations or when equipment collides with workers. Implementing measures such as barricades, signage and personal protective equipment (PPE) can help mitigate the risk of struck-by incidents.
- Caught-in and caught-between incidents — These accidents involve workers being trapped or crushed between objects or equipment. Examples include trench collapses, incidents where someone is caught in machinery and structural failures. OSHA emphasizes proper training, hazard awareness and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent these catastrophic accidents.
- Electrocutions — In the construction industry, there is a serious risk of electrocution, particularly when the job involves proximity to power lines, electrical equipment or excavation activities. Failure to identify and mitigate electrical hazards can result in severe injuries or fatalities. OSHA mandates the use of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), proper insulation and electrical safety training to minimize the risk of electrocution accidents.
At Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh, our Florida workplace accident attorneys understand the devastating impact that construction injuries can have on workers and their families. Our experienced team is dedicated to advocating for injured clients and securing the compensation they deserve. We provide personalized legal representation tailored to each injury victim’s unique circumstances, ensuring that their rights are protected every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, please call 941-954-1234 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are located in Sarasota.