On a typical day, two construction workers will be injured on jobsites in Florida and nationwide – and around 700 will die before the year is out.
Construction sites are dangerous places, statistics show.
Workers climb steep ladders and dig deep trenches. They operate heavy equipment and handle hazardous materials. They face a near-constant threat of death or injury.
Here are 4 Injury Facts Every Construction Worker in Florida Should Know:
Be aware of the “Fatal Four.” The leading causes of construction deaths in Florida are: (a) falls; (b) electrocutions; (c) being struck by collapsing or falling material; and (d) getting caught in or between objects.
You should receive the necessary training and gear to do your job safely. This includes being warned about toxic substances and harmful chemicals that you will be working with and being issued safety equipment like masks, gloves, goggles, ear plugs, harnesses and hoods.
The machinery you operate should be safe. Saws and cutting blades should have protective guards and kill switches. Electrical outlets and junction boxes should be safely covered. The air you breathe should be adequately ventilated.
You may have a right to sue other parties if you are injured. Many construction accidents are covered by Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. But in some cases – for example, where you are injured by equipment that is defective or inherently dangerous – you may have a right to sue the product’s manufacturer or seller. And if you are injured by the wrongful act of someone else – such as the owner of neighboring property, a passing motorist, or an employee of another company– you may have a money claim against them as well.
When a Florida construction worker is hurt or killed on the job, a workplace accident attorney can explain what legal options are available.
On a typical day, two construction workers will be injured on jobsites in Florida and nationwide – and around 700 will die before the year is out.
Construction sites are dangerous places, statistics show.
Workers climb steep ladders and dig deep trenches. They operate heavy equipment and handle hazardous materials. They face a near-constant threat of death or injury.
Here are 4 Injury Facts Every Construction Worker in Florida Should Know:
When a Florida construction worker is hurt or killed on the job, a workplace accident attorney can explain what legal options are available.
Sources:
http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
http://www.bls.gov/iif/