Constructions sites are commonplace in metro areas like Detroit. Unfortunately, there are also among the most dangerous sites for both workers and passerby. Filled with numerous potential hazards, construction sites see thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths across the U.S. each year. If you pay attention to the news, you likely see numerous stories of construction workers suffering serious injuries or death on local worksite. Many of these involve falls.
According to the Occupational Health Safety Administration (OSHA), falls are a leading cause of construction site accidents resulting in injury or death. In fact, OSHA ranks falls at the top of its “Fatal Four” list, as it is the number one cause of construction worker fatalities.
Because construction workers often perform their jobs from heights, they face increased risks of injury and death as a result of falls, whether they involve ladders, scaffolding, steel erections, roofs, or other elevated working areas. Because the risks of injury are so pronounced when work is performed from heights, construction employers must take reasonable measures in protecting employees. These protections may include:
Workers’ Comp
When falls or other accidents occur on workplaces and workers suffer harm on the job, they have a right to pursue benefits, including medical treatment and wage supplementation, through workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to injured workers regardless of whether or not employers were negligent. Still, receiving workers’ comp is never guaranteed, as some employers might dispute or deny claims. Our legal team can help injured workers and their families navigate the workers’ compensation system, as well as explore other potential avenues for compensation – including personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Negligence Claims
Even though there are inherent risks to working on construction sites, and while workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system, supervisors and construction companies are not immune from the responsibility of keeping their employees safe and appropriately managing risks and potential hazards. When their egregious negligence or wrongful acts lead to preventable falls, or when the negligence of third parties (such as contractors or product manufacturers) cause falls, victims may have options for pursuing compensation outside of the workers’ compensation system.
