Many workplace accidents in Ohio happen at construction sites. Most construction accident injuries result in the worker being eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, or for that construction worker’s survivor to seek benefits when an accident is fatal. Yet it is important to remember that most construction site accidents are entirely avoidable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to the “fatal four” to draw attention to the four leading causes of deaths on construction sites.
In 2018 alone, there were a total of 4,779 fatal worker injuries in the private sector, and more than 21% of those occurred on construction sites. To be clear, more than one out of every five workplace deaths happens in the construction industry. OSHA highlights the serious dangers of the “fatal four” and points out that nearly 600 construction workers’ lives could be saved annually if these types of accidents could be eradicated. I want to tell you more about the fatal four and to provide you with some information about how to prevent these deadly accidents.
Falls on Construction Sites
Falls are the leading cause of death at construction sites. In 2018, falls accounted for more than 33% of all fatal accidents that occurred on construction sites, or a total of 338 deaths. Construction falls can take many forms: workers can slip and fall on construction sites at ground level, they can fall from heights while working on scaffolding or roofing, or they can fall from the ground level into an excavation site. Falls can be prevented with fall arrest equipment, perimeter protection, and safe scaffolding.
Struck-By Accidents at Construction Sites
Struck-by accidents account for more than 11% of deadly construction accidents. These accidents can be prevented if workers avoid positioning themselves between moving and fixed objects, and if they wear high-visibility clothes at all times.
Caught-In/Between Accidents
Caught-in/between accidents are responsible for more than 5%of construction fatalities. To prevent a caught-in/between accident, workers should avoid entering an unprotected trench.
Construction Site Electrocutions
Electrocutions can be devastating and cause almost 9% of all construction deaths. There are many safety precautions to avoid electrocutions, including locating and marking utilities before beginning work, being careful to avoid overhead power lines, only use grounded electric tools, and using ground-fault circuit interrupters.
Contact My Firm for Help with Your Accident Case
Whether you need assistance with a construction accident workers’ compensation claim or you want to file a lawsuit against a third party who is responsible for a serious accident at the construction site where you got hurt, I can speak with you today about your options. Construction accidents can be devastating, and I want to do all that I can to ensure construction workers receive the compensation they deserve after a serious workplace accident. And in fatal construction accidents, I can work with surviving family members to seek benefits.
Whether an employer was negligent and you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or another party was responsible, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office today at 877.944.4373 to learn more about how I help injured construction workers and their families.
