Construction's "Fatal Four"

According to the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) website, out of 4101 worker fatalities in 2013, 20.2% were in construction.  The leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites were

1. falls (36.5%),
2. being struck by an object (10.1%),
3. electrocution (8.6%),
4. being caught in or between objects (2.5%).

Regardless of whether the construction accident results in a fatality, a serious injury, or even a minor injury, the Florida Worker’s Compensation law protects injured workers for accidents that occur in the course and scope of employment.

I’ve had the opportunity to represent several injured workers over the years who have suffered from construction accidents. Almost universally, the accidents were not caused by the injured worker, and there was nothing the injured worker could have done to prevent the accident. I’ve seen construction accidents where scaffolding collapsed, temporary railings at high-rise condominiums give way, rusty nails puncturing boots resulted in leg amputations, people tandem carrying work materials where one person dropped the materials resulting in severe hernias, and even slipping on freshly laid carpet glue.

While OSHA may be responsible for construction accident investigations and keeping construction accident statistics, it is responsibility of the injured worker to report the accident as quickly as possible. Regardless of how serious the accident may seem when it occurs, the failure to report an accident can have long-lasting repercussions with the claim.

If you’ve been injured in a construction workplace accident or incident, call Michles & Booth immediately.  We will set up your free initial consultation and make sure your rights are protected.