Fall Risks on Construction Sites
Among the numerous risks construction workers face on a daily basis, fall risks are easily among the most common. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites, accounting for well over one-third of all construction-related fatalities.
While scaffolding and ladders present fall risks, construction workers can also be at risk of falling while on the ground or on the floor of a building’s upper level. To mitigate the risk of workers falling from height and falling into open pits and trenches, companies are supposed to protect dangerous areas with covers, guard rails, blockades and warning signs. Companies are also supposed to ensure that their employees have appropriate safety gear, including ropes and harnesses when necessary.
Unfortunately, safety violations on construction sites are all too common, and these violations are often to blame for workers’ injuries. Inadequate safety precautions frequently lead to falls into and off of:
- Unfinished stairwells
- Open elevator shafts
- Unprotected holes for wiring, plumbing and HVAC
- Foundation pits
- Utility trenches
In addition to fall-related injuries, construction workers who fall into unprotected holes, pits, and trenches can face other immediate dangers as well. For example, construction materials may fall from overhead; or, if excavation is in process, a construction worker who falls into an unprotected pit or trench could face the very real possibility of being buried alive.
Get Assistance With Your Case From a Denver Construction Accident Lawyer
No one should have to face these kinds of dangers at work, and anyone who does deserves to be fully compensated for the physical, financial and emotional costs of his or her ordeal. Contact us today for help with your case.
