Construction Accidents

Construction accidents are a common type of workplace injury in Texas. Because of the many potentially unsafe working environments that occur on construction sites, such as working on elevated unprotected structures and scaffolding, close contact with heavy machinery, contact with hazardous substances, etc., construction accidents can cause the most serious types of personal injuries. These serious personal injuries include brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis and others. These serious injuries can cause fatalities, completely disable an employee from further work or can disrupt the ability of an employee to earn a reasonable living. Any of these events create great hardships on the victim and their families.

Typical Construction Accidents

In Texas, welding accidents, burn injuries, scaffolding accidents, work-related falls, heavy equipment injury, fires and explosions, trucking accidents and serious automobile accidents are all common types of construction industry related accidents. If proper precautions are not taken to ensure against unsafe conditions, injuries can occur.

Fortunately, construction accidents and injuries have been on a downward trend during the last decade. But, even with this trend, construction work remains very dangerous and the construction industry continues to create numerous accidents.

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OSHA Guidelines

To protect construction workers from unsafe work environments, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has strict guidelines to protect workers. These guidelines include

• Proper railings on large equipment.
• Proper hazardous materials handling procedures.
• Proper marking of unsafe conditions.
• Proper railings on elevated working positions.
• Strict welding procedures.
• Strict electrical procedures.
• Many others

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the work place meets these OSHA requirements. Also, the employer must ensure that the employees are properly trained and are notified about potentially unsafe work environments. Unfortunately, many employers are negligent and do not strictly follow the OSHA guidelines. As a result, employees are injured.

When a person is injured on the job, it is possible this injury could be related to negligence on the part of the employer or other third party. Certain claims by employees are restricted to Worker's compensation claims or arbitration agreements and your attorney needs to be qualified to fully advise you of your legal rights and remedies.

As in all on the job accidents, if you are injured working on a construction site you need attorneys who can guide you through what can be a complicated process. Determining if there is Worker's Compensation Coverage, was the injury or death caused by a third party's negligence, is a general or sub-contractor responsible - not knowing and protecting your rights can cost you and your loved ones. Since there may be applicable notice requirements, contact our office immediately if you have been injured working at, visiting or passing by a construction site.

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