Accidents happen every day at construction sites in Georgia. Approximately 3 million workers are injured on the job each year, and more than 4,500 are killed. Construction sites can be dangerous when proper safety rules are not followed. Heavy machinery, scaffolding, electrical wiring, and hazardous materials are just some of the dangers present at construction sites. There are also often multiple contractors doing work at the same time, which can create perilous communication issues.
Those in charge of a construction site have a duty to keep things reasonably safe for workers and others that are expected to come onto the premises. If a contractor in charge of construction fails to keep things safe and a person venturing onto the construction site is injured, the victim may be entitled to compensation. Most workers, meanwhile, are entitled to compensation through the Georgia Workers’ Compensation insurance program regardless of the cause of the accident. However, some employees, including many independent contractors, are not covered by workers’ compensation.
If you’ve been injured while on a construction site, the experienced Kennesaw, GA personal injury legal team at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, can help you understand your legal rights and options. To discuss your case, call today at 833-LEGALGA.
OSHA Regulations
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has promulgated regulations intended to keep workplaces safe. All public sector and most private sector employers are required to comply with OSHA regulations. Construction workers that feel conditions at their job site are unsafe have a right to request an OSHA safety inspection. Employers are forbidden from retaliating against a worker that makes a safety complaint.
Common Causes of Construction Jobsite Injuries
According to OSHA statistics, accidents are most frequently caused by these types of safety standard violations:
1. Fall protection
2. Hazard communication
3. Scaffolding
4. Respiratory protection
5. Control of hazardous energy
6. Powered industrial trucks
7. Ladders
8. Machinery and Machine Guarding
9. Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment
10. Electrical systems design
The so-called “fatal four” leading causes of fatal construction site accidents in 2015 were:
• Falls — 364 (38.8% of all deaths)
• Struck by Object – 90 (9.6%)
• Electrocutions – 81 (8.6%)
• Caught-in/between – 67 (7.2%)
Call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter Today to Discuss Your Case
If you have been injured on a construction site, it is important for you to understand your legal rights. Every case is different, but it is likely that you are entitled to compensation. Construction site injury cases often raise complicated legal issues. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, can help. The attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter can investigate the facts of your case, explain your legal rights and options to you, and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Kennesaw Personal Injury Attorney Joel Williams, has consistently been recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in Georgia, and the entire legal team at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, is dedicated to thoroughly and effectively representing personal injury clients throughout Georgia. If you would like to discuss your case, call Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, for a free consultation today at 833-LEGALGA.
