What’s the most common cause of construction injuries and deaths?

Working in the construction industry can be rewarding, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. Even if your employer provided you with safety training, you could still be at risk for injury or even death. Falls account for the most significant number of construction injuries, and the problem is not getting any better.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) began tracking worker deaths from falls about 30 years ago. The BLS has reported that falls represented over 40% of worker deaths. That is the highest proportion of construction site deaths since tracking began.

Who is at risk for a fall?

Due to the nature of the job, construction workers face a higher-than-average risk. However, anyone who works in an elevated environment could experience a fall. These environments include:

• Construction sites
• Roofs
• Scaffolds
• Ladders
• Elevated walkways

Falls do not have to occur from significant heights to be deadly. There are sadly many deaths that occur in the world of residential construction. The number of fatal falls in residential construction actually doubled between the years 2011 and 2015. Knowing this, it might come as no surprise to learn that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says that falls are the most common cause of workplace deaths.

Addressing the problem is complicated

Construction slowed down during the recession in the early 2000s. Since then, the construction industry has rapidly picked back up, and there is now a shortage of experienced workers. Employers should be providing detailed safety trainings to these newer workers, but many are not.

This is an especially serious problem among small construction contractors who employ fewer than 10 people. These employers are less likely to provide necessary safety training, which could explain why more than 60 percent of the fall-related deaths in the construction industry occur within these smaller firms. This is a startling figure considering that fewer than 33% of construction workers work at these smaller companies.

What is OSHA doing about this?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigates negligent employers and issues fines as they see necessary. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for OSHA to reduce fines or for companies to get off the hook entirely for small paperwork mistakes. It can be hard to hope for a safer future in construction when employers are not held fully accountable for their actions.

Construction workers in Georgia usually have a lot of pride in the work that they do. Being out of work because of construction injuries can be uncomfortable and upsetting. Workers’ compensation can help address some of these feelings by providing necessary compensation for things like lost wages and even medical bills. However, focusing on recovery can be difficult if your workers’ comp claim was rejected, so you may want to consider speaking with an experienced Atlanta workers’ comp attorney about your options for an appeal.

Guiding You Through Workers’ Compensation and Construction Site Injuries

The journey following a construction site injury in Georgia can be fraught with uncertainty and difficulty. Yet, with the correct information and backing from an experienced construction injury attorney, navigating the complexities of the legal landscape to obtain the necessary benefits and compensation for a full recovery is entirely possible. Your health and legal rights are of utmost importance, and professional legal support is at hand to assist during these trying times.

Get in Touch with Attorney T. Andrew Miller for a Complimentary Consultation

Should you or a family member suffer an injury at a construction site, consider reaching out to The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC, a committed law firm specializing in workers’ compensation and construction injuries, located in Atlanta. Call us at 678-605-9109, or click here to schedule a time to talk about your situation and investigate your legal rights and recovery options.