Construction continues to boom in Arizona, from Phoenix to Scottsdale to Tucson and the suburbs. Both residential and commercial construction projects continue on, even during times of uncertainty. Unfortunately, this construction often results in serious accidents and injuries to both workers and pedestrians passing by. What are the causes of these construction accidents? And what can you do to protect your rights after an injury?
If you suffered an injury in a construction accident, it is important to understand the issues you may face.
COMMON CAUSES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS IN ARIZONA
Unfortunately, construction companies have tight deadlines they must meet to make a profit. These deadlines often cause them to cut corners or turn a blind eye to safety violations. This negligence puts workers and subcontractors at risk. When a contractor rushes to get a job completed quickly and at a lowest cost, serious and fatal construction accidents may occur.
In general, there are four main types of accidents in construction sites, known as the Fatal Four. These include: falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and being caught in or between objects. The causes of each of these construction accidents vary.
FALL ACCIDENTS
In 2018, 339 construction workers lost their lives in preventable fall accidents. This makes falls one of the deadliest construction accidents, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Construction companies must take measures to prevent these accidents from occurring. When they fail to do so, they can bear liability for the accidents and the harm they have caused. Common causes of fall accidents include:
- Lack of fall protection
- Improperly constructed scaffolding
- Defective ladders
- Tripping hazards or debris on roofs
- Slick surfaces
- Unguarded ledges or elevator shafts
- Unmarked trenches or excavation sites
STRUCK BY OBJECTS ACCIDENTS
Falling objects can have disastrous consequences for construction workers and pedestrians passing by. Their impact can easily cause serious injuries and even deaths. Common causes of struck by object accidents include:
- Unsecured tools or equipment
- Improperly rigged loads
- Unbalanced working materials
- Improper use of barricades or overhead protective systems
ELECTROCUTION
Electrocution is the cause of an estimated 8 percent of all construction fatalities every year. Contact with an overhead or underground power line is one of the main causes of electrocution. Non-electrical workers are more vulnerable to this type of electrocution accident because the hazard may not be obvious.
Live wires and circuit breakers are also the cause of many electrocution accidents. Electrical workers are more vulnerable to this type of electrocution accident.
Construction workers and their employers have grave responsibilities around electricity. They need to identify live sources of electricity before work begins. They must also take necessary safety precautions to reduce injury. When they fail to do so, they can bear liability for these accidents and the harm they cause.
CAUGHT-IN/BETWEEN ACCIDENTS
These accidents result when a worker or pedestrian becomes caught in, crushed by, or compressed between at least two objects. Construction companies must adequately train their workers. This training should include information on how to identify and eliminate hazards around heavy machinery. When they do not, serious and deadly accidents may occur. On a construction site, this could occur in numerous ways, including:
- Being pulled into machinery
- Trench cave-ins
- Compressed between moving objects, such as a crane, forklift, or other equipment
A construction company must take the time to properly train their employees. They must also take necessary safety precautions to eliminate and reduce serious risk onsite. If they fail to follow rules and regulations set in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or they cut corners in safety, you may be able to hold them accountable for the harm you suffered.
CONTACT OUR ARIZONA CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
If you suffered an injury on a construction site, we want to help. Our Arizona construction accident attorneys have the resources and experience needed to tackle even the most complex personal injury case. Contact Miller Kory Rowe LLP at (602) 648-4045 to schedule a free legal consultation. We are here to answer your questions and explore all your legal options.