Falls Are Leading Cause of Construction Deaths
It is no secret that working on a construction site is dangerous. Construction workers handle heavy machinery, nail guns, forklifts, jackhammers, bulldozers and other equipment. Any of these items can lead to serious injury and it is not uncommon for construction workers to sustain broken bones, sprains and lacerations. However, these machines and equipment are not the biggest threat to construction workers.
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of construction deaths. On average, over three hundred deaths occur each year from falls in the construction industry. It is not surprising that the greatest hazard faced by construction workers are falls, especially since most construction takes place several stories above ground level.
Most fall-related injuries at construction sites are linked to scaffolding accidents, unprotected sides or wall openings, portable ladder misuse and unguarded protruding steel rebars.
Scaffold construction poses one of the biggest risks of falls. Construction workers regularly manage heavy equipment and building materials on a scaffold, which has very small space to work in. Falls from scaffolds occur when the scaffolds are not constructed properly or if there is no safe access. Guardrails should be installed to help minimize the fall risk.
OSHA also lists unprotected sides, wall openings and floor holes as hazards that can lead to construction falls. It is almost impossible to get around unprotected sides and openings during construction, but it is possible to cover or protect these areas. According to OSHA, fall injuries can occur when there is a lack of a guardrail system, safety net system or personal fall arrest system. A Houston construction accident can lead to head trauma or even death.
If you have been injured in a Texas construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Texas construction accident attorney Steve Lee, for expert legal advice at 713-921-4171 or 800-232-3711.