Construction web site accidents and injuries are usually a widespread component of the workplace due to the fact of the dangerous equipment, chaos and deadline-driven environment that surrounds this industry. The following statistics were released from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics on workplace safety and injury statistics:
* 1 of every five workplace fatalities is a construction worker.
In 2001, there was just over 1,200 fatal injuries in the construction industry, while this number excludes deaths on September 11. Also in 2001, there were 481,400 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in construction. Incidence rates for nonfatal injuries and illnesses were 7.9 per 100 full-time workers in construction, and 5.7 per 100 full-time equivalent workers in all private industry in 2001.
* Since only about 10% of construction firms employ a lot more than 20 workers, the fantastic majority have no formal job safety regulations or programs in place.
The “lost-workday” rate for construction workers in 1992 was five.7 out of every 100 workers (full time). This lost-workday rate was the highest of any significant economic sector.
* Nationwide, about 15% of workers’ compensation costs are attributable to injuries in the construction business.
Nearly all significant injuries in the construction industry result in workers’ compensation rights. Those limited rights, nonetheless could be supplemented by legal actions against other people who have responsibility for a variety of activities on the jobsite, including construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, etc. These rights depend upon the application of a variety of complex laws and the individual circumstances of the accident.
For example, in most construction projects, many different contractors are involved. Full damages can be recovered if any contractor other than the direct employer is responsible for the injuries from an accident. Likewise, if a defective tool, machine, or other product causes injury, an injured worker can be fully compensated.
OSHA is a Federal organization that offers workers details on occupational safety and health, and construction workers ought to know how to contact OSHA if an unsafe work environment exists. If a workplace hazard exists and action is not taken rapidly, an employee ought to contact an OSHA region office or state office via a written complaint. If the OSHA or state office determines that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a violation or danger exists, the office will conduct an inspection.
A workers’ representative has a proper to accompany an OSHA compliance officer during the inspection. A union representative, if one is obtainable, chooses the representative otherwise employees will select the representative. Under no circumstances could the employer pick the workers’ representative. A detailed inspection by an inspector can occur of either the entire work area or of a limited area of a workplace operation. At the end of the inspection, the OSHA inspector will meet with the employer and the employee representatives to discuss the abatement of any hazards that might have been discovered. These will need to be corrected or serious penalties and legal liabilities might arise.