The construction industry in Georgia is booming! Sometimes in the rush to meet deadlines, workers are placed in physically demanding and fatiguing situations that increase their risk. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the majority of injuries and fatalities on a construction site fall into four categories: falls, struck-by objects, electrocution and caught in-between objects. Known as the “Big 4” or “Fatal 4” in the industry, these hazards can be exponentially increased by companies cutting corners or abusing mandatory overtime hours.
- Falls: Falling from heights, high or low, is the most common of the “Big 4.” Falling can be caused by collapsed scaffolding, lack of guardrails, faulty stairs and ladders, wet walking surfaces, and not being properly tied off. This hazard is only increased when work is being done with haste.
- Struck-by objects: Coming in forcible contact or being impacted by an object is the second deadliest hazard on a construction site. If a construction project is not being run with a proper safety program, then falling or flying objects are a dangerous game that is a matter of “when” and not “if.”
- Electrocution: Electrical shock comes in third in the “Big 4.” Coming in contact with lethal amounts of electricity is an ever-present hazard on large industrial construction projects, especially if the site has standing water. Construction workers are exposed to extremely high voltage daily, and companies that fail to protect their workers from such hazards are liable.
- Caught in-between objects: Finding oneself caught in-between objects can come in many forms. These include:
- Being caught between the equipment and stationary objects
- Cave-ins during digging or excavating
- Falling or being pulled into unguarded equipment by clothing, hair or limbs
If you have fallen victim to an accident on a construction site, consulting with a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney is highly recommended if you would like to know your rights. Because Steve Morgan is a local attorney with deep roots in the community, he will passionately fight for employees’ rights to work in a safe environment.
Call us at 912-289-0640 or send us an email to discuss your options.
