The average construction site contains at least half a dozen hazards ranging from live wires to moving vehicles. However, if workers use proper safety equipment and follow protocols, many accidents are easily avoided. If you or someone you love is involved in a construction accident in New Jersey, seek prompt medical care. Then, consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney about filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Here are some common construction accidents that occur in NJ:
- Electrical incidents — Construction workers who encounter exposed electrical wires during the demolition or building process may suffer electrocution injuries or burns.
- Falls — Each year, many workers are injured and killed in fall-related construction accidents. Faulty scaffolding and lack of safety harnesses are but two of the many causes of construction fall-related injuries.
- Struck-by accidents — Construction projects often require the use of heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, dump trucks, etc. On a crowded construction site, these metal behemoths can cause catastrophic, if not fatal injuries.
- Trenching and excavation accidents — Whether needed for residential or commercial purposes, trenching and excavating is dangerous work. Even when all protocols are followed, circumstances can be unpredictable and precarious.
A construction accident can change your life forever. With a skilled lawyer’s help, you can increase your chances of recovering a favorable settlement.
Most common OSHA Violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) was established to set and enforce labor standards for male and female workers. The most common OSHA violations that occur annually involve:
- Fall protection — To avoid an OSHA fall protection violation, employers must equip their workers with construction equipment that meets the NSI Z359 safety standard.
- Hazard communication procedures — It is vital that employers ensure all workers are aware of existing hazards and the procedures for working among them.
- Scaffolding safety requirements — When employing workers at heights of 10 feet or higher or near scaffolding, contractors must follow established guidelines to avoid an OSHA violation.
- Respiratory protection — To help protect workers from contaminants such as dust, fumes, sprays, gases, mist, and vapors, employers should ensure everyone is equipped with a NIOSH-certified respirator.
- Hazardous energy control — Employers must ensure workers are trained in OSHA compliant procedures on what to do in the event of a hazardous energy leak.
- Ladder safety — Using the proper ladder for the job can greatly reduce ladder-related injuries. All ladders should meet ANSI ASC / OSHA standards.
If you are the victim of an OSHA violation, seek competent legal help — you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact a skilled NJ workers comp lawyer
Kreizer Law provides experienced guidance throughout every stage of the workers’ compensation process, from filing to appeals.
Call 1‑(800)-4-JUSTICE® –1-(800)-458-7842 or contact us online to discuss your case with a dedicated attorney today.
