Underground Construction Workers Face Injury Risks
Without your underground construction work, many important construction projects wouldn’t be possible. This includes trenches, tunnels, or chambers you sink into to lay pipes, connect wires, or other necessary construction.
You face many of the same risks that your coworkers encounter above ground.
For example, you could be hurt in a slip and fall accident, or by a piece of construction equipment. Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicates work underground also presents other dangers, such as:
- Cave-ins. If the roof or walls of your sub-surface work site collapse, you could be trapped.
- Oxygen deprivation. The ventilation may be poor, or there might not be enough oxygen in below-ground level areas at all.
- Noxious gases. OSHA reports “potentially gassy and gassy” environments threaten air quality, and pose a fire hazard.
- Fires and explosions. While fires and explosions can happen anywhere, they’re particularly dangerous underground, where it may be difficult or impossible to evacuate quickly.
- Drowning. A broken pipe or water source can quickly overwhelm a confined sub-level space.
- Noise exposure. It can be difficult to regulate and prevent exposure to loud machines in confined areas.
Your potential injuries depend on the type of accident that occurs, but often include:
- Breathing problems
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Hearing loss
- Death
If you suffered one of these injuries, or your loved one died in an underground construction accident, it’s time to act.
What to Do After an Underground Construction Injury
After you’re rescued and receive medical attention, it’s time to contact an experienced construction accident attorney. Attorney Steven M. Lee, P.C., would be pleased to offer a free consultation to review the details of your case. You’ll also learn about your legal rights, and the potential for financial compensation. Start a live chat now to see how we can help you.