Construction Site Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry is one of the most dangerous, leaving the construction worker at great risk of harm or death. According to their data, “4,764 workers died on the job in 2020 (3.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers). Workers in transportation and material moving occupations and construction and extraction occupations accounted for nearly half of all fatal occupational injuries (47.4 percent), representing 1,282 and 976 workplace deaths, respectively.”

OSHA has a label for the most common fatal construction accidents. They call them the “Fatal Four.” These four types of construction accidents are responsible for more than half of all construction work deaths each year:

• Being caught in between, or crushed by, a structure, material or machine
• Electrocution
• Falls
• Struck by objects

There are many other types of construction workplace injuries that have many different causes including:

Unguarded scaffolding

Companies that fail to use certain implements or safety features (guard railings, toe-boards, scaffold ties) in violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are potentially liable for resulting injuries.

Struck by falling objects

Tools and equipment that slide off of high scaffolding can cause serious injuries to workers, pedestrians, and passersby.

Construction debris

Construction debris is any type of material that is left behind from the construction or renovation process. This can include nails, tools, pieces of wood, metal, insulation, and other materials left behind by workers. These items can be dangerous if left unchecked and can lead to serious accidents due to slips, trips, and falls on the construction site.

Faulty construction equipment

Defective parts, poor maintenance, and improper use of equipment can all lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Poorly designed guardrails, scaffolding that is not properly set up, and outdated or malfunctioning heavy machinery are all examples of faulty construction equipment that could put workers at risk for an accident.

Snow and ice

Snow and ice present dangerous hazards on construction sites, as they can cause slips, trips, and falls. Snow and ice can also accumulate in areas of the site that are not regularly cleared or maintained, creating icy spots that are difficult to spot. In winter weather conditions, workers may be unable to see these hazards until it is too late, leading to potentially serious injury or death. 

Table saw accidents

Table saw accidents are a common type of accident on construction sites, and can be particularly dangerous. They typically occur when workers use the table saw incorrectly, such as not wearing proper protective gear or failing to follow safety procedures. These accidents often result in lacerations, deep cuts, crushing injuries, or even amputations. 

Electrocution

Electrocution is a type of construction site accident caused by contact with an electric current. It can occur when workers come into contact with high-voltage power lines, live wires, electrical equipment, or exposed wiring. The effects of electrocution range from minor burns to serious injury and even death. 

Chemical burns

Chemical burns are a serious hazard for construction workers, resulting from contact with hazardous chemicals that are often used on construction sites. These chemicals can cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and in some cases even tissue death. Chemical burns can be especially dangerous if the chemical reaches mucous membranes or is inhaled, as this can lead to more severe systemic damage. 

Exposure to toxic chemicals

Exposure to toxic chemicals on construction sites can cause serious accidents, such as fire and explosions, resulting in burns, inhalation of hazardous fumes, and even death. Contamination from these substances, including asbestos and lead-based paints, can also lead to long-term health problems for workers who come into contact with them. 

Elevator accidents

Elevator accidents are a common cause of construction site accidents, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Injuries may include broken bones, electrocution, falls, and head trauma. These accidents can be caused by malfunctioning equipment, improper use, neglect of safety protocols, or defective parts. 

Forklift accidents

Forklift accidents are a common type of accident that can occur on construction sites. They can be caused by poor operation or factors such as faulty equipment or inadequate training. Forklift accidents are hazardous and can lead to serious injury or death for workers operating the equipment. The most common types of forklift accidents involve overturning, being struck by an object, falling from an elevated platform, and collisions with other machines or objects. 

Crane accidents

Crane accidents are a type of construction site accident that can result in serious injury or death. They are often caused by improper maintenance or operation of the crane, incorrect assembly, inadequate training, or operator error. Common types of crane accidents include crane tip-overs and collapses, jib overloading, loose hardware, improper rigging, workers being struck by falling objects while operating the crane, and electrocution from contact with overhead power lines. 

Ladder accidents

Ladder accidents are a common type of construction site accident. They occur when someone falls off a ladder or is injured while climbing, carrying, or working on one. Injuries can include fractures, cuts, and sprains. Poorly maintained ladders and improper use of safety equipment could be the primary causes of these incidents.

Power tool injuries

Power tool injuries are a common type of construction site accident. These injuries can range from minor flesh wounds to more serious lacerations, amputations, or even death. Power tools can easily cause injury when not operated with caution and proper safety protocol is not followed. Many of these injuries are caused by the negligence of workers failing to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, not wearing the recommended personal protective equipment, and not properly securing power cords.

Failure to warn

Failure to warn occurs when employers fail to provide adequate warnings of potential hazards and dangers present on a worksite. This may include failing to provide workers with proper safety equipment such as hard hats, goggles, or safety harnesses; failure to properly train workers on the use of machinery or hazardous chemicals; or neglecting to post warning signs indicating dangerous areas or activities that could put workers at risk of injury or death.

Inadequate safety equipment, safety measures, and training

Inadequate safety equipment, measures, and training can lead to serious accidents on construction sites. This includes not providing employees with the protective gear they need, such as hard hats, reflective vests, and fall protection equipment; failing to implement proper safety protocols; and not providing adequate safety training to workers so that they know how to work safely in hazardous environments.

Inadequate hazard communication

Inadequate hazard communication on construction sites can lead to serious accidents. Without proper knowledge of the potential hazards, workers are at risk of injury or even death. Poor communication can include failing to provide safety training and not distributing safety materials and guidelines. 

Eye and face protection

Eye and face protection is an essential safety measure for construction sites. It helps to protect workers from dangerous dust, particles, chemicals, and other hazards that can cause serious eye and facial injuries while they are on the job. Protective eyewear such as goggles or safety glasses should be worn to prevent objects or debris from hitting the eyes, while face shields and hard hats provide additional protection against flying debris. 

Respiratory protection

Respiratory protection is an important safety measure for construction sites, where dust and debris from various operations can cause serious respiratory illnesses. In order to protect workers from inhaling hazardous particles, employers must provide approved respirators that are designed to filter out airborne particles and fumes..

OSHA safety regulations violations

OSHA safety regulations violations relating to construction site accidents can include failure to provide workers with proper safety equipment, inadequate training on hazardous materials, and poor maintenance of work sites. Examples of violations include lack of fall protection, failure to provide adequate respiratory protection, and utilizing outdated or improper tools. 

Regardless of how careful a worker may be, construction accidents happen, and injured workers are entitled to recover compensation. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, an injured worker may have a worker’s compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. A visitor to the site may have construction accident claims as well. 

Only an experienced Philadelphia construction accident attorney can evaluate a case to determine if a worker may collect workers’ compensation benefits or if another individual has a construction site injury claim against the general contractors or possibly equipment manufacturers.  In any case, the injured and their loved ones are entitled to collect money for injuries, lost income, permanent disability, and even death benefits.

The Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates have years of experience with construction site accidents. Our attorneys will know what type of construction accident claim you may have for injuries or construction worker deaths. They know how to collect fair compensation through either workers’ compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits.