Construction Falls: Leading Cause of Workplace Accidents
Accidents can happen on any job. But, when you work construction, your risk of being injured in an accident is significantly higher than that of someone who works behind a desk. And in the construction world, falls are the most common cause of serious injury and death.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, fall deaths have increased in recent years. In 2007, the last year for which information is available, there were an estimated 442 construction fall fatalities.
Of construction falls, falls from roofs seem to be the most prevalent.
Recently a worker in Somers Point fell and sustained serious injuries while working at a Super WaWa construction site on MacArthur Blvd, according to news reports. Though news reports weren’t able to determine if he fell from a ladder or roof, they said he was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s Trauma Unit and was fortunately expected to survive.
When you think of serious fall accidents, you likely think of falling from a very tall building or structure. But a Super WaWa isn’t likely to be more than one story. In other words, serious injury and even death can occur when you fall from relatively low heights. Even same-level falls that occur when you trip, for instance, can have catastrophic results.
Falls account for about 35% of all construction fatalities. And these accidents are largely preventable through common safety practices and diligence. Everything from the ladder you choose to what you wear can have an effect on your fall risk.
Fall protection standards are the second most cited OSHA violations (next to scaffolding violations)—both of which can cause serious fall injuries. And if OSHA is citing companies for them, they are preventable.
Whether your foreman is encouraging you to cut corners or is pushing a deadline, safety should not be sidestepped in the pursuit of working faster. With every safety precaution you neglect, you increase your chances of not making it home when the work day is done.
If a fall accident happens, you need to know your rights. This is where the New York and New Jersey construction accident lawyers of Ginarte can help. Contact our offices today to discuss your case at 888-GINARTE.
