New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyer

You Are Entitled to a Safe Working Environment

There are many workers at a job site, including plumbers, electricians, framers, and other laborers and subcontractors. The general contractor is obligated to coordinate all the workers at the site to ensure a safe work environment exists according to OSHA standards. As such, general contractors are required to thoroughly inspect each site with safety engineers and provide safety programs for employees.

Common dangers that workers can face include:

• Explosions or fires
• Equipment malfunctions
• Improperly constructed scaffolding
• Forklift, truck, or crane accidents
• Falling objects or equipment
• Lack of supervision or training

What Are the Top Causes of Construction Site Injuries & Death?

OSHA estimates that nearly 6.5 million individuals work at an average of 252,000 construction sites across the nation. Given the large workforce that constructs buildings and structures, safety should be a key issue. Unfortunately, injuries and death do happen and all too often. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 908 deaths occur on construction sites each year. That number is too high.

At Levinson Axelrod, we believe that construction workers should be protected against preventable hazards, such as:

• Scaffolding Falls: Scaffolding structures are large, temporary units erected to allow workers to build at a high height. It usually consists of metals and poles. They can be very dangerous for the workers because of their height. If the structure is not secure and the workers are not careful, falls can occurs. It can be very dangerous and potentially fatal.
• Improper Safety Gear: Because of the dangerous nature of the job, it is important that construction workers are equipped with all the safety tools they need. It is up to the managers to uphold guidelines to promote caution. However, not everyone does. When gear such as hard hats, goggles, and harnesses are not used, it can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
• Electrocution: Electrocutions are the second highest cause for construction accidents. Construction sites usually have many wires and electrical charges that are open. They need to be handled with care and with the proper tools. If not, it is very easy to sustain an injury.
• Falling Objects: Construction sites have many different levels of work going on at all times. It can be easy for an object to detach from a machine and hurt a worker. It is important that all equipment be properly maintained and all safety precautions heeded. If not, an object can fall, swing, and roll, causing an individual to lose their balance and fall or suffer serious lacerations, bruises, and other injuries.
• Machinery Accidents: Construction workers usually handle very large machinery and deal with heavy materials. If one is not careful, they can be caught between a machine or concrete slat or something else. This can lead to lacerated appendages and broken bones.
• Defective Equipment: Companies and management have a responsibility to provide properly functioning and safe equipment. Cranes, forklifts, and more should be regularly checked and maintained. If they fail to do so, it can lead to injuries and even death.

At Levinson Axelrod, we believe that everyone has a right to leave work without injury. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact our New Jersey construction accident attorneys today. We offer free case evaluations, where we will help form the best plan for you.