- posted: Aug. 28, 2014
The construction industry has a reputation for being a dangerous industry and statistics support this impression.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics summary for 2012, fatal construction injuries in the private sector rose five percent (5%) from 2011 to 2012. Meanwhile, the total hours worked only increased one percent (1%). By comparison, the previous five (5) years showed declining fatal injuries. Another interesting fact is that of the 738 fatal injuries in 2012, 708 of the individuals died while working as contractors.
The majority of contractors (381, or 54 percent) who died worked in construction in the following capacities:
- Laborers (101)
- First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers (42)
- Electricians (39)
- Roofers (32)
Out of the metropolitan statistical areas with the highest fatal occupational injuries, the area ranking second highest was the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas area. Only the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island metropolitan area had more fatal occupational injuries reported.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the construction industry's most common fatal accidents fell into four categories that it called the fatal four:
- Falls (36 percent)
- Struck by object (10 percent)
- Electrocutions (nine percent)
- Caught in/between (two percent)
Whether falling from a scaffold or being struck by a crane, when safety violations are present, you should consult with a lawyer about pursuing a lawsuit. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate the accident and advise whether substantial evidence exists to pursue an accident or wrongful death claim. Having a skilled law firm to negotiate a settlement or take the case to trial, if successful, can help you offset the high costs of medical care and lost earning capacity.