In 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that one in five worker deaths resulted from construction accidents. Of those construction deaths, more than half resulted from just four causes: falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, and caught-in/between hazards. Caught-in/between hazards include instances where a worker is caught in a cave-in, or pulled into machinery or gets compressed between two heavy objects. OSHA states that eliminating those "fatal four" causes would save 508 worker lives each year.
In addition to the "fatal four", OSHA also cites the "top ten" standards cited in 2014, reflecting dangers in the workplace:
- Protection against falls
- Hazard communication
- Scaffolding requirements
- Respiratory protection
- Industrial trucks
- Hazardous energy sources
- Ladders
- Electrical and wiring
- Machinery and guarding
- Electrical systems design
While OSHA cites statistics showing that work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses have decreased dramatically since 1970, clearly accidents still occur. When they do, injured workers should seek the counsel of a lawyer with experience representing clients who have been in construction accidents.
Whether a worker has been injured by one of the "fatal four" types of accidents or another kind, workers' compensation will often be the first avenue by which workers can collect benefits to pay medical bills and other expenses. However, the process isn't often easy, and can involve a series of denials, appeals and testimony from medical professionals. A knowledgeable workers' compensation lawyer can help injured workers through this process. If a third party outside of the employer played a role in causing the accident, the worker may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in the interest of securing the full compensation that is available to assist in recovery.