Although construction sites are filled with potential opportunities for injury, employers are expected to provide the proper safeguards and systems to allow construction workers to do their jobs safely. But what happens when a construction company fails to act responsibly? Workers get hurt, dreams are shattered, and lives are ruined.

If you’ve been injured on the job while working on a construction site in the Bakersfield area, you have rights. Please call (661) 333-3333 today to discuss your case with Mickey Fine.

4 Most Common Fatal Construction Injuries

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five worker deaths in 2013 were caused by construction accidents. OSHA has identified what it calls the “fatal four,” which are the four most common causes of construction worker death. Thankfully, not every construction accident ends in death, but construction injuries can be extremely serious and debilitating.

Falls

Falls are by far the most common cause of death among construction workers, responsible for nearly 40 percent of site deaths, more than the next three combined. Construction workers are frequently required to work on tall buildings or in other high locations. Basic safety precautions can prevent many of the injuries associated with falls, but all too often construction companies fail to provide adequate equipment.

Strikes by Objects

From I-beams swinging overhead to vehicles rushing along on the other side of the orange cones, strikes by objects can cause any number of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Falling objects like tools, materials, and debris also pose danger. Even small objects can be fatal when they fall from a great enough height.

Electrocution

One need not be an electrician to be electrocuted on the job. Because construction sites are works in progress, all workers must perform their jobs in the vicinity of power lines, exposed wiring, and incomplete electrical systems. It’s up to the site manager and the construction company to make sure that all workers are adequately protected from such risks, but it doesn’t take much electricity to severely burn or kill a worker.

Caught in Between

Because construction sites involve so much heavy machinery and equipment, the chances of being caught in between machinery, materials, debris, or other immovable objects is significant. Construction sites are responsible for ensuring that all workers are out of the way when performing the kinds of dangerous tasks that can cause these kinds of injuries.

Other Common Causes of Construction Injuries

In addition to these top four, construction workers are also at risk of slips and falls, fires, explosions, trench collapses, and many others. Some of the most common construction site injuries resulting from these accidents include:

  • Burns
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Broken bones
  • Loss of limbs

Construction site injuries are preventable, but when companies don’t take the right precautions, it’s time for you to take action. With more than 25 years of experience handling construction accident cases, Mickey Fine can help ensure your rights are protected and you recover the compensation you deserve.

Please contact The Law Offices of Mickey Fine today to arrange your free consultation. We serve clients in Bakersfield, California.