OSHA’s Fatal Four Causes of Construction Worker Deaths
New Port Richey worker's compensation attorney Joseph M. Rooth explains OSHA’s ‘fatal four’ causes of construction worker deaths and benefits to which surviving family members may be entitled.
Accidents can happen on any worksite, but construction workers are among those most at-risk. The injuries they suffer have the potential to be life-threatening. Our New Port Richey worker's compensation attorney explains four common causes of construction worker deaths and how surviving family members can get the benefits to which they are entitled.
Common Causes of Fatal Injuries in the Construction Industry
Construction work is lucrative in terms of the number of jobs and the pay, but it does not come without costs. On-the-job accidents are a serious hazard and can result in fatal injuries. Sadly, the risk of being injured or killed in certain types of accidents on construction sites is so severe that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has labeled them as the ‘fatal four.’ These are:
- Slips and falls: More than a third of all construction worker injuries and deaths happen as a result of slip and fall accidents. These often involve falls off ladders, roofs, and scaffolding, as well as slips in other tall construction areas. These can prove deadly due to a lack of harnessing and other fall protections.
- Getting struck by objects: Construction workers are required to wear helmets on job sites and for good reason. More than 10% of all worker deaths occur as a result of getting struck by objects. This includes building materials, beams, and falling debris on construction sites as well as getting struck by equipment used in the course of the job.
- Electrocutions: Close to another 10% of construction workers are seriously and potentially fatally injured due to contact with live wiring, power surges, and lighting strikes while working on construction sites.
- Getting caught in or between objects: Construction sites are filled with a variety of people performing complex tasks involving different types of vehicles, heavy machinery, and power tools. Getting caught in or between objects is a common type of accident and can result in fatal injuries.
worker's Compensation Benefits for Surviving Family Members
Benefits available through the Florida Division of worker's Compensation can help offset medical expenses and lost wages when construction workers suffer accidental injuries. In cases where these prove fatal, it can help family members recover financially from their loss. Benefits available in cases of fatal construction accidents include:
- Coverage of outstanding medical costs;
- Funeral expenses;
- Compensation for current and future losses in income and benefits.
While nothing can ease the pain of losing a loved one, worker's compensation benefits can help ensure parents, spouses, and children are provided for in a way their loved one would have wanted.
Request a Consultation With Our New Port Richey worker's Compensation Attorney
New Port Richey attorney Joseph M. Rooth helps victims and their families get the benefits to which they are entitled. He is board-certified in workers' compensation law, a distinction that fewer than one percent of all Florida lawyers have. Call 727-849-3400 or contact our office online to request a consultation today.