JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

There are more than 30,000 construction workers in Pennsylvania. Construction workers perform a variety of jobs, including road construction, building construction, roofing, demolition, excavation, electrical work, and carpentry. Each of these jobs has unique risks. Sometimes these jobs are deadly.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about one out of every five workplace deaths occurs on a construction site. This makes construction sites one of the most dangerous work environments in Pennsylvania. Listed below are the top Pennsylvania construction site hazards:

1. Falls – Falls on construction sites are not unusual. In fact, falling from a height is the most common cause of construction site injuries and deaths. Because falls are a common construction site danger, OSHA requires employers to include fall protection training as part of their workplace safety and health program. All construction workers should be trained to identify fall hazards and use fall protection equipment properly.
2. Electricity – Electricity is one of the greatest hazards on construction sites.  While power line workers, electricians and electrical engineers work are trained to work with electricity, electrical workers are not the only employees on construction sites who are exposed to electrical hazards. Workers should be aware of electrical dangers from tools, old wiring, and temporary electrical service and trained to avoid these threats.
3. Heavy construction equipment – Approximately 100 construction site deaths a year occur after accidents involving heavy construction equipment.  A worker may be struck by a vehicle that is backing up or changing direction, or be run over when brakes are not properly set. An operator can be injured or even crushed in equipment rollovers and falls. Those who work with or around heavy construction equipment should be trained in safety procedures and accident prevention.
4. Scaffolding – Every year about 60 workers die after falling from scaffolding. Causes of scaffolding accidents include moving scaffold components, scaffold failure, falling objects, electric shock, and improper set-up. Because falls from scaffolding are often deadly, OSHA provides strict requirement for the use of scaffolding and the construction and dismantling of scaffolding. These guidelines should be followed at every construction site.
5. Stairways and ladders – Stairways and ladders cause approximately 25,000 construction site injuries and 35 fatalities each year. Construction employers can prevent injuries by training employees in the safe use of ladders and stairways.
6. Excavation and Trenching – OSHA considers excavation and trenching as the most hazardous construction site operation. Workers who are involved in excavation and trenching should be trained in OSHA safety standards and use protective equipment to minimize dangers.

Construction sites are dangerous workplaces, but many Pennsylvania construction site accidents can be prevented if employers meet OSHA site safety standards and all workers are taught to identify work-site hazards and follow construction site safety rules.

If you were seriously injured while working on a Pennsylvania construction site, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation.  A skilled Philadelphia workplace injury lawyer can determine if you are eligible for compensation to cover your

•                Medical bills

•                Pain and suffering

•                Lost Wages

•                Loss of earning capacity or future wages

To discuss your rights after a Philadelphia construction site accident, contact Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo at 888-807-WORK to schedule a free consultation.

To learn more about Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims, request a free copy of our book, Your Guide To PA Workers’ Compensation.