Listed below are the most common construction site accidents in New Jersey. These injuries include Falls, Improper use of ladders and scaffolding, and Electrocution. Injuries caused by these accidents are often preventable with proper safety equipment. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf; or a construction accident lawyer could be beneficial. Read on to learn more. Hopefully, this article will help you avoid some of the most common construction site accidents.
Falls
While fall accidents may not be entirely preventable, they are often the result of negligence on the part of the construction site. When construction workers slip and fall due to inadequate fall protection, they can sustain traumatic injuries, such as head trauma or fractures to internal organs. Although construction workers wear safety helmets, they are not always enough to protect them from falling objects. Explosions can also result in flying objects injuring workers. The debris can cause puncture wounds and traumatic brain injuries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fall-related injuries accounted for twenty percent of all workplace fatalities in New Jersey in 2016. Of those, falls accounted for twelve fatalities and seventy-one nonfatal incidents. Falls are preventable, but proper safety equipment is essential. By following safety equipment guidelines, contractors can ensure that their sites are safe for their workers. Falls can be devastating, so it is important to take steps to prevent them.
Improper scaffolding
Despite the numerous dangers associated with scaffolding, injuries from construction accidents are common in New Jersey. Although all construction work carries some level of risk, accidents due to improper scaffolding account for over 50% of the total accidents on construction sites. Injuries due to scaffolding can be fatal or cause severe physical harm. For this reason, proper safety practices are essential for construction sites. Listed below are some common mistakes to avoid to minimize your risk of scaffolding-related injuries.
Poorly-made scaffolds: Even though scaffolding is designed to be durable and safe, it’s not indestructible and can break down when workers are on it. Similarly, improperly installed scaffolds are prone to tip-overs, causing serious injury to anyone who happens to be in their path. When scaffolding collapses, workers may fall at high speeds in free-fall or be thrown from the platform.
Poor maintenance of work platforms
Two people have lost their lives at work sites in New Jersey in recent months. In one case, a man lost his second life as a result of a worksite accident. Neither of the two incidents appear to be related to foul play, but the police chief has ordered a site investigation to determine if there was a safety hazard. The investigation may also help avoid further injuries to the workers.
Improper use of ladders
Many injuries on the construction site are the result of improper use of ladders. Many ladders are not built to the proper standards, and may have been used beyond their useful life. Some may also have been damaged during transportation. Whether an employer or a subcontractor is at fault for the accident, the injured party should document the details of their accident, including witness statements. If you were injured on a construction site, you should contact an attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.
Injuries caused by improper use of ladders are preventable. Ladders used improperly can cause serious injuries. Using ladders correctly is a critical safety procedure that prevents serious injuries and even death. Proper safety measures, such as ladder inspections, can prevent falls and other injuries. Improper use of ladders can also result in the improper placement of scaffolding.
OSHA violations
The Solicitor of Labor issued a statement detailing a recent case in which an Edgewater, New Jersey-based construction company was cited for multiple willful violations of OSHA’s fall protection standards and refused to pay the associated fines. The company was investigated by the Regional Office of the Solicitor in New York and by the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Office of the Solicitor in New Jersey. The complaint was filed against Altor Inc., a New Jersey company, as well as its principal executive, Juan Quevedo-Garcia.
The OSHA violation investigation revealed that three contractors violated OSHA safety rules at the site, including failing to provide fall protection. The four companies were fined a total of $412,000, plus more than $300,000 in post-judgment interest. The companies were given a maximum of 15 days to correct the problems identified by the inspections. The contractors can also request an informal conference with an OSHA official.
Compensation for workers injured in construction site accidents
Workplace accidents can happen at any workplace, but construction sites are notoriously hazardous. An accident can leave you unable to work, and it can seriously affect your family’s finances. A dismal job market can leave many families with a single income, and any loss of income can lead to financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
There are specific time limits that apply to injured construction workers in New Jersey. In general, workers have two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. After that time, they may be barred from filing a lawsuit. In some cases, however, this time limit may be longer. The key to winning compensation is to act quickly, though, as the deadlines can be tight. If you don’t file your claim within these time limits, you may be barred from recovering your damages.
