Personal Injury Law Blog

Falls have long been the leading type of workplace accident at construction sites across the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced that there were 7,270 fall protection violations in fiscal year 2018.

Four out of the top 10 hazards cited by federal inspectors involved potential falls at construction sites. Some of the other workplace dangers that made the list include hazard communication for chemicals, respiratory protection and machinery lockout.

There are several different types of construction fall hazards that can cause serious injuries, including the following:

Falls from a height

Many construction sites have multiple stories. As a result, workers are required to use ladders and scaffolding. This increases the risk of falling from a great height from elevated structures, roofs and overhead platforms.

Slipping or tripping

Construction sites are known to have large quantities of tools and materials. Cluttered floors or platforms have the potential to cause slip and fall accidents. Additionally, icy or rainy weather can cause surfaces to get slippery, thereby increasing the risk of falls.

All workers have the right to a safe work environment. Per OSHA Fall Protection regulations, employers are required to provide proper safety equipment and fall prevention training for construction site workers. For example, workers exposed to heights of six feet or greater must be protected by guardrails or use safety gear such as harnesses.

If you have been injured due to a fall or other type of accident at a construction site, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. It is also possible to pursue a personal injury claim in some cases. Visit the BriskmanBriskman & Greenberg Workers’ Compensation Center to learn more about the steps you should take after suffering a workplace accident.