Falling Objects a Fatal Threat for Construction Workers

 Posted on May 22,2016 in Construction Accidents

By Shawn Kasserman

Each year, around 4,000 construction workers are fatally injured on the job. Falling objects – tools, equipment, debris, and more – are responsible for approximately eight percent of those deaths, making them one of the most common causes of worker fatality. They are so common, in fact, that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have named them as one of construction’s “Fatal Four.” Yet records from the agency show that failure to provide protection from injury is one of the most commonly cited violations at work sites throughout the United States.

Failure to Provide Protection

While OSHA provides rules and guidelines on how to effectively keep workers safe on the job, contractors, foreman, and other overseeing personnel often fall short when it comes to following through. This can be by not providing proper training (i.e. teaching workers how to safely organize and tether tools) or by not providing the proper equipment to ensure safety protocols are followed.

Failure to ensure scaffolding, cranes, and other equipment are properly used, maintained, and secured is yet another common falling objects violation that commercial and general construction companies are found to be guilty of, as is the failure to ensure demolition projects are done safely and according to protocol. All of these examples – and more – encompass an employer or overseeing contractor’s failure to provide adequate and reasonable protection to their employees.

Right to Fair Compensation for Workers and Their Families

It is in these instances – the ones where foreman, contractors, subcontractors, and other management personnel – that workers and their families have protections under the law. These very same protections hold the negligent party responsible for damages that the family or worker has experienced. Examples include the cost of medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of life or limb, pain and suffering, and possibly even punitive damages.

Unfortunately, this area of the law is extremely complex and changes frequently. The skilled attorneys of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman provide aggressive and comprehensive legal services to help victims and their loved ones navigate the murky legal process and fight to ensure their rights are protected. Contact our experienced Chicago, Illinois construction negligence attorneys and get the compensation you deserve. Call 312-605-8800 and schedule your free initial consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/worker-fatally-struck-scaffold-plank-heading-home-day-article-1.2611438

http://www.ishn.com/articles/96697-falling-objects-can-be-a-fatal-threat

https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html