Construction workers are a vital part of our society as they literally build the roads we drive on, buildings we work in, and the homes we live in. Unfortunately, they also work in one of the most dangerous professions in California. According to OSHA, about 5,000 people die in workplace accidents each year and about one in five occurs on a construction site.
Keep reading to learn about four of the most common construction accidents in California. If you have been injured in this type of accident, or have lost a loved one in a construction accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
The “Fatal Four”
According to OSHA, there are four types of construction accidents that are responsible for half of all construction deaths. These are known as the “Fatal Four” and then lead to the death of more than 600 construction workers in an average year – and they injury thousands more.
1. Falls
The top cause of construction worker death in the United States – and in California – is falls. In fact, falls make up about 40% of all deaths in this industry. Construction workers are often working high in the air on scaffolding or ladders. If they fall from even a few feet they can sustain injuries. If they fall from greater heights, they can lose their lives.
2. Being Struck by an Object
Falling objects are a serious risk for those in the construction industry. Various objects can fall off of ladders, including tools, equipment, and materials used to construct buildings. The injuries caused by these accidents can be severe or even deadly.
3. Electrocution
Working on a construction site requires working around electricity and this can pose serious risks – especially if proper safety protocols are not followed. Any construction worker whose job requires them to be exposed to live electricity can suffer from an electrocution injury, which can result in minor burns, death, and anything in between.
4. Caught in Between Accidents
These are terrifying accidents in which a construction worker is caught in or compressed by either an object or a piece of equipment and is then stuck, caught, or crushed. Considering that there are many types of heavy machinery used in this industry, crush accidents are a serious concern and can be deadly.
What to Do if You Are Injured on a Construction Site
If you are injured on a construction site then your first move after ensuring you have received adequate medical care is to contact a personal injury attorney. You have a right to recover damages for the injuries you have sustained. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now for a free legal consultation to discover what your rights and options are.
