Most people understand that workers in some industries face more day-to-day risks than others. Construction is one of those industries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction worker fatalities accounted for approximately 20.7% of all worker deaths in the United States during the latest reporting year.
A recent construction worker fatality in Greenville County highlights that our construction workers also face increased risks on-the-job.
A tragic incident
On November 30, 2019, a man was part of a construction crew installing the corrugated metal roof panels at a warehouse at 315 Tanner Price Way when he fell from the roof onto the ground below. The 22-year-old died at the scene. An autopsy showed that he suffered from Blunt force trauma to the torso and head.
The accident remains under investigation by the coroner’s office as well as the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. There will undoubtedly be an investigation by state labor regulators and by OSHA.
Reducing construction worker deaths
Construction work is inherently more dangerous the most other jobs. Workers in this industry operate around dangerous materials and in high-risk conditions every day. OSHA says that most Construction worker fatalities occur in four ways, which they call the “Fatal Four.”
- Falls
- Struck by object
- Electrocutions
- Caught in between objects
These fatality numbers only show us part of the overall picture. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported during the latest year.
Those who survive work injuries often incur major expenses. Workers’ compensation insurance is necessary for those injured on-the-job. There should never be a situation in which a person injured at work has to fight to receive workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, there are times when an injured worker’s claim is delayed or denied by their employer or the insurance carrier.
If you are injured at work in Greenville
If you or a loved one are injured at work, you may need to talk to a Greenville workers’ compensation attorney. At the Dan Pruitt Law Firm, we will offer a free consultation of your case and determine the best path forward to ensure you are treated fairly throughout this process.