Many hardworking Americans apply hard labor to earn a living in the construction industry. The construction industry allows for many things like houses, running water, schools, etc. Without this industry we would not have the innovations we have in the modern world. However, with the construction industry there is a risk of being injured or killed on the job.
What Are The Risks?
Construction workers work with large machinery, electricity, saws, drill, and other assortments of items that allow them to do their job. They also have a strict set of safety rules and regulations to help prevent accidents from happening. Even if the worker follows the rules diligently, there is still a danger risk. Some common risks that contribute to injuries include:
- Machinery
- Chemicals
- Tools
- Transportation
- Gas Mains
- Scaffolding
Certain situations where a construction worker has been injured on the job, they may qualify for workers compensation. This benefit will allow the worker to be able to pay bills and living expenses. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. There are a few people who can be held liable for these costs such as sub-contractors, property owners, general contractors, and manufacturers depending on what caused the injury.
Common Causes
There is an array of causes when it comes to accidents on a construction job. A majority of them are due to negligence, misuse, and failure to follow safety regulations. Here are examples of the most common accidents and what causes them.
- Falling – Falling has contributed to many of work site injuries. The worker may be working near an open wall focusing on their task, when they step backwards and fall. Another common factor that contributes to falls is stairs. This accident usually causes in jury to the head or back.
- Hazardous work environments – Unsafe work sites pose a risk to all workers. Hazardous conditions such as uncovered holes, trenches, stakes, rebar, etc.
- Stepladders- Accidents with stepladders are common. The stepladder can tip over, a worker can leave a tool on one of the steps and movement causes the tool to fall on a worker’s head. Household ladders used at a construction site are also a danger given their lack of stability.
- Power tools- If a worker fails to protect tier eyes or ears serious and permanent damage can occur. Using tools improperly or using a defective tool can cause injury. If the worker is using a nail gun or saw that fails, they can cause serious damage. There are also machines that are extremely loud which can damage the ears and tools that throw specks of metal which can damage the eyes.
What Can We Do?
If there is an accident that was not caused by negligence of the one injured, you may be able to file a suit against the person liable. However, negligence is difficult to prove, if it was due to faulty mechanisms, it may be an easier case to prove. Seeking out counsel experienced with these accidents will be the best option.
Additional Legal Tools: Barber Law Firm Attorney Kris Barber. Serving all of Texas.