Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies the most dangerous hazards in the construction industry known as OSHA’s “Fatal Four.” These four leading causes of fatalities are critically important for workers and employers to be aware of, as knowledge and prevention efforts can significantly reduce death on job sites.
Falls
Falls from heights remain the leading cause of fatalities within the construction industry. Unprotected sides, improperly secured scaffolding, and the lack of personal fall arrest systems contribute significantly to the prevalence of these accidents. OSHA provides comprehensive guidelines to prevent falls, including requirements for fall protection equipment and safe use practices for ladders and scaffolds.
Struck By Objects
Being struck by an object is another leading cause of injury and fatality on construction sites. This hazard includes any occasion where a worker might be hit by items such as flying, falling, swinging, or rolling objects. Regular safety training and strict adherence to OSHA guidelines can help mitigate these risks.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions occur when individuals come into contact with electrical energy sources, leading to fatal injuries. Within the construction industry, these incidents often result from unsafe handling of power tools, contact with overhead power lines, or exposure to live circuits. OSHA emphasizes the importance of electrical safety training, the use of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and adherence to lockout/tagout procedures to prevent such hazards. If you have been electrocuted on the job, contact an electrocution injury lawyer in Los Angeles.
Caught-in/between
Caught-in/between accidents refer to situations where workers are caught, crushed, squeezed, or compressed between multiple objects. This can occur when working with heavy machinery without adequate safeguards, during the collapse of trenches or structures, or by getting entangled in moving parts of equipment.
Training in proper machinery use, adherence to trenching and excavation safety standards, and ensuring protective systems are in place can greatly reduce the risk of these often-fatal incidents. OSHA mandates strict adherence to guidelines that prevent caught-in/between hazards to protect workers on the job.
What to Do if You Lost a Loved One in a Construction Accident
Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and when it’s a result of someone else’s actions or negligence, understanding your legal options becomes part of the overwhelming process. Here are steps that you should consider:
Seek Emotional Support: Grieving is important and so is leaning on support networks. Seeking out friends, family, or professional counselors for support can offer solace and stability while you navigate through this difficult time.
Report the Death: It’s crucial to ensure that the death is properly reported and documented. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, this will typically involve informing law enforcement so they can generate a report, notifying an employer if they’re somehow not aware, and speaking with relevant insurance companies. Official documentation helps confirm the specifics of what happened and establishes key details for legal purposes.
Gather Evidence: If possible, collect any evidence connected to your loved one’s death. This could include taking photos of the scene, securing contact information for witnesses, and preserving written communications related to the event or conditions that led up to it. Other evidence might include obtaining a copy of police reports and maintaining records associated with treatment received prior to passing.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer: Once you’ve addressed immediate concerns surrounding your loved one’s death, it is essential to reach out to a Los Angeles wrongful death attorney who is experienced at navigating these emotionally charged cases, as you may have legal recourse for your loss.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligence of others, it’s crucial to explore your options and seek justice on their behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles work injury lawyer.
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