If you work construction, you are well aware of the risks and dangers that your job entails. While any job has its own inherent risks, there is a much higher incident rate for those who are working construction. While highway crashes are the leading cause of death in the construction industry private sector, the second leading cause was falling. There are several other leading causes of construction workers being killed on the job. Some of those include being caught in between machinery or objects, being electrocuted, or being struck by a falling object. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 64.2% of the construction worker deaths in 2015 resulted from those different kinds of accidents.
OSHA reports that every year more than 1,000 construction workers are killed while performing job duties. Despite safety equipment and strict guidelines, accidents continue to happen on construction sites. When you report to duty at a work site, you think it is safe to assume that all safety measures have been taken and all precautions have been put in place by your Greenville construction employer. You might also have the assumption that the rest of your Greenville construction crew has undergone all the necessary safety training. You probably think all the tools and equipment that you are going to use are in proper working order. However, while you assume all these things, they might not be the case. You might be working with untrained team members, faulty tools and equipment, and without all the proper safety gear.
Workplace Accidents and Neglect
What you may consider a simple accident can result in serious injuries at a Greenville construction site. Usually, these work-related accidents could have been avoided. They are often the result of the carelessness of workers, a lack of safety training, or just negligence. Safety regulations are often ignored. When you are on a construction site, that is not permissible because it can mean life or death for the construction workers. Equipment should undergo regular inspections and be properly maintained. Any repairs should be handled promptly. Any dangers should be clearly marked, and employees should be properly warned of any risks. Every construction worker should undergo extensive training to ensure they follow all the proper safety protocol and to make sure everyone is safe while on the job site.
The OSHA has some shocking statistics in regards to injuries suffered by construction workers on the job in the United States. One out of every ten construction workers suffers an injury while he or she is working. Fall hazards are the leading cause of injuries for construction workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 150,000 injuries occur in the U.S. at construction sites every single year. Coming into contact with equipment ranks right behind falls for causes of construction site injuries. The workers most likely to suffer injuries on the job are between the ages of 25 and 34. Injuries most commonly suffered by construction workers are related to the back, spine or trunk.
Reports from OSHA indicate that 15% of workers’ compensation costs across the United States are directly related to construction work. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that during a single one-year period, there were 1,224 construction worker deaths across the country. As a construction worker, you should ensure you are properly trained and make sure you use all the appropriate safety gear.If you notice problems with any equipment or dangers at your work site, you should notify a supervisor right away to prevent an accident from occurring.
What are the Leading Causes of Greenville Construction Accidents?
As previously mentioned, there are some leading causes of construction site accidents and injuries. The leading causes of Greenville construction injuries are:
- Falls
- Electrocution
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Crane accidents
- Defective equipment
- Scaffolding
- Welding rod accidents
- Hearing damage resulting from excessive noise and a lack of ear protection
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Hazardous waste
- Entrapment in work spaces or equipment and machinery
With the proper training and knowledge of the right safety protocol, many of these accidents could be avoided. Studies have shown time and time again that negligence is the leading cause of many of these accidents. Your Greenville workers’ compensation attorney, Dan Pruitt, is familiar with construction accident injuries. He will investigate your accident and fight to get you the benefits that you deserve for your construction work injuries. Your workers’ compensation legal team at Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm is well aware of the higher risks faced by a construction worker, and we will fight to make sure you are treated fairly.
What Should I Do If Hurt While Working Construction in Greenville, SC?
If you suffer injuries on the job while working construction in Greenville, you should ensure you preserve any evidence so you can protect your rights and ensure a solid workers’ compensation claim. If your injuries are serious or life-threatening, ask a coworker or someone to call 911 so you can be transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance. As quickly as you possibly can, you should notify your supervisor of your accident so an accident report can be filed. Your employer is responsible for notifying the state commission of the work accident so workers’ compensation benefits can be paid to you.
Get the medical care that you need. When you explain how the accident occurred, you should be honest and truthful. Workers’ compensation offers no-fault coverage. So, even if you are partly to blame for the accident, you will still be eligible to receive benefits as long as the injuries occurred as you performed your work duties. Take notice of any witnesses to the accident. They might be needed to provide statements and offer additional information in support of your workers’ compensation claim if needed.
Speak to a Skilled Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Greenville, SC
Following a construction site accident, you need to consult with an experienced Greenville construction accident lawyer. An attorney will ensure you get the benefits that you are entitled to receive while making sure your rights are protected. By using a workers’ comp attorney, you can also bring an awareness to your accident and help other workers avoid facing similar situations. Your claim might bring about new safety protocol or regulations that keep other workers from facing the same situation as you. If you are suffering because of a construction accident, call Greenville workers’ compensation attorney Dan Pruitt. Call the Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm at (864) 280-7660 today and let 20 years of experience go to work for you.