Construction Accident Lawyer in Gainesville

Gainesville, Florida, is a fast-growing town that has seen record population growth of over 13.5% in the past decade. Of course, the reasons are many, such as being inclusive of diversity, highly rated public schools, low crime, and an affordable cost of living. A growing population goes hand in hand with the need for new construction. Unfortunately, construction remains one of the most dangerous professions to work in for many reasons. 

Work-related injuries are not uncommon; however, the construction industry accounts for a disproportionate amount of accidents. While some view construction work as inherently dangerous and thus, accidents are just part of the trade, many accidents are preventable. Employers who cut corners on safety regulations should be held accountable for their failure to protect workers. The Gainesville, FL construction accident lawyers at Morgan and Morgan are here to help construction workers who get injured on the job due to negligence, whether it be from an employer, coworker, or contractor. 

What Are the Leading Causes of Construction Accidents?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites four leading causes of construction worker deaths. Falls, electrocutions, being caught in or between objects, and being struck by objects are the reason for more than half of construction worker fatalities. While construction accident claims are difficult to navigate, our attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights as a construction accident victim.

Falls - Construction often requires workers to engage in labor that takes place at dangerous heights, such as on ladders and scaffolding. Employers should make sure workers are properly trained on how to safely use portable ladders and make sure the equipment isn't defective. Scaffolding should be regularly inspected to ensure it's stable, and workers should be sufficiently trained to maneuver safely. Another reason why falls happen at construction sites is a lack of guardrails, safety nets, and fall arrest systems around unprotected openings and edges. Employers should be vigilant in their efforts to make sure workers are safe while working at dangerous heights.

Getting caught between objects - If a worker is caught between objects, they can easily be crushed, pinched, squeezed, or even buried in a collapsed excavation site. When machinery is used in an unsafe manner, the machinery can tip over and crush the operator or a nearby coworker. Furthermore, if machinery isn't locked down during repair, it can accidentally turn on and pull in an unsuspecting worker's clothing or body parts, causing severe injuries. Machinery that isn't adequately maintained can also cause terrible accidents if it malfunctions and causes a worker to become ensnared. When a worker is caught between objects, the results can be catastrophic and require costly, long-term medical care, cause permanent disability, or even wrongful death.

Getting struck by objects - Struck-by-object accidents can occur for many reasons since construction work often requires workers to work at heights. Fellow workers below them can be in danger of getting hit by falling tools, debris, or construction materials. When performing remodeling or repair jobs, workers can encounter situations where they are hit by a collapsing roof, unsecured lighting fixtures, or beams. A worker could get struck by heavy equipment such as a crane or a truck while on a construction site. Construction work often involves a lot of hard labor that requires prying, pulling, and pushing. If the material comes loose abruptly, the worker could be in danger of getting struck by the airborne debris. Constructing masonry or concrete walls can be particularly dangerous because of the immense weight that needs to be supported. If a jack or lifting equipment fails, workers are vulnerable to getting struck by heavy materials.  

Electrocution - Electrical workers who get electrocuted on the job usually do so through direct or indirect contact with live electrical equipment and wiring. Failing to de-energize, use lockout/tagout procedures, or protect power lines can have deadly consequences. Maintaining clearance distances from power lines is crucial, especially for other workers without electrical safety training. The leading cause of electrocution among non-electrical workers in contact with power tools, portable lighting, defective power and extension cords, machinery, and appliances. Regular inspection of tools and power cords, along with proper training, should be a top priority among employers. Following electrical safety protocols should be standard on the construction site to prevent needless electrical injuries and deaths. 

Highway construction accidents - Construction on and near highways leaves workers at risk of being hit by vehicles. Having no protection other than a hard hat can result in devastating injuries. While drivers should be responsible for maintaining safe speeds and distances, highway construction workers also rely on their employers to make sure construction site signs and traffic control are adequately in place.  

Inadequate communication of hazards - More than 200,000 non-fatal injuries and 900 fatalities are reported in the construction industry every year in the U.S. We've already established that the four leading causes of construction injuries are falls, electrocutions, and being caught in or between objects, and being struck by objects. However, poor communication of hazards is also dangerous for workers. The common causes of poor safety communication boil down to a few issues. Failure to get safety training, fear of employer backlash if a worker discovers unsafe conditions, and not recognizing correct practices. It's essential for employers to make sure their employees understand and practice safety on the worksite and are free to point out unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

Lack of respiratory protection - The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that exposure to crystalline silica dust during construction can cause a severe or fatal respiratory disease called silicosis. People who develop silicosis are also vulnerable to developing tuberculosis. Concrete and masonry products, which are major materials in construction, are the primary sources of exposure. The dust can be released during activities such as demolition, pressurized air blowing, chipping, hammering, drilling, and grinding. Employers should make sure workers have the proper respiratory protection and warn workers of the dangers of silica dust as well as use dust control systems. 

Powered industrial trucks -  Commonly known as forklifts, powered industrial trucks are used to move materials on a construction site. Pedestrian workers can be run over, crushed, or caught between a falling load. It's a violation of Federal law to operate a forklift without proper training and requires certification. If an unqualified operator injures a worker, the employer should be responsible for allowing this breach of standards.