Construction workers usually work at elevated heights. As such, they could be vulnerable to fall accidents. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, falls were the leading cause of construction site accidents and caused more than 38% of construction-related deaths in 2015.
Fall accidents in construction can have devastating effects on your health. OSHA requires construction employers to properly train their workers on safety on the site and maintain a safe work environment.
If an employer fails to meet these requirements and you suffer an injury, as a result, you are entitled to compensation. Your accident could also be caused by a non-employer third party, such as a contractor.
Whatever the cause of your fall, the Los Angeles car accident attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can help you get the deserved settlement for your misery.
Types of Construction Site Fall Accidents
Construction-related falls are generally divided into two categories: falls to a lower level and falls on the same level. Falls at ground level make up for about 36% of non-fatal falls at a site and include tripping over an object.
Falls from ladders constitute 24% of non-fatal site injuries, while scaffolds make up 6.5. other less frequent falls happen from a non-moving vehicle or building girders.
Although mostly considered non-fatal, falls on the same level cause 7.1% of construction-related deaths.
Common Fall Accident Injuries in Construction
Falls to a lower level, say from a distance of 6 feet or more, are generally more dangerous and could result in severe injuries or loss of life. Common injuries linked with construction site falls include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Severe cuts, burns, bruises, or abrasions
- Amputation
- Permanent disabilities
- Death
Such injuries can have catastrophic effects on the emotional and financial wellbeing of a victim and their family. A suitable compensation can help cover your costly medical expenses as well as time spent away from work.
Typical Causes of Fall Accident Injuries in Construction
Many fall accidents in construction sites can be prevented. They often occur because an employer fails to provide workers with necessary safety equipment and training or doesn’t follow proper safety procedures. When employers violate safety requirements, they can create conditions, such as:
- Unsafe working conditions — These include disrepair scaffolding, debris presence on the site, or unprotected sides of buildings
- Lack of safety equipment — An absence of guardrails, fall protection systems, and covers, among others
- Lack of safety training — Zero training on machine operation or known job hazards
Risk Factors of Fall Accidents in Construction
Construction fall accidents can happen to anyone and at any time. Nonetheless, some factors may increase your chances of a fall accident, including:
- Dangerous walking surface conditions — potholes, uneven surfaces, curbing, muddy soil, cracks, temporary walkways and bridges, and changing routes and elevations at a site
- Site coordination problems — poor lighting and signage, poor communication
- Environmental factors — rain, loose soil, snow
- Presence of obstructions on site
- Other worker’s issues — wearing improper shoes, use of pain medication, alcohol or drug abuse
Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney
The experienced lawyers at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers are adept at dealing with construction fall accidents.
If you or someone close to you suffered a fall on a construction site, contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation and receive the compensation you deserve for your workplace injury.