Injuries from Construction Falls

On construction projects, workers from all trades are typically required to work at elevated heights, resulting in more than 350 fall-related deaths each year. Fatal falls on construction sites most frequently occur on scaffolds, platforms, roofs, and ladders; however, falls on construction sites can happen anywhere on the project.

“Fall-Through” Accidents

OSHA regulations require that roof holes, wall holes, and floor holes be covered or protected by a guardrail and nearby workers must use personal fall-arrest systems to protect them from falling. Regardless of these precautions, occupational fatalities caused by falls remain a serious public health problem.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that in a seven-year period, more than 4,500 American workers died as a result of falls. Many of these construction accidents were caused by existing openings in floors or roofs, such as installed skylights.

In addition to fatalities, serious injuries often result from these “fall-through” events. Injured workers are forced to miss work for numerous days to recuperate from their construction accidents; this time off can result in lost income and in some cases, job discrimination against the injured worker.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a fall on a construction site, please contact the lawyers at Sheridan & Murray; our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of construction accidents throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey; they can investigate the most appropriate means of protecting your rights. Our legal review is free and there is no commitment.

Falls from Elevations

Since most construction takes place at elevated heights, the danger of injury and death due to falling is greater than almost any other industry in the United States.

OSHA has adopted specific rules and regulations for safe practices on work sites where a worker might fall from one level to another. These OSHA regulations require contractors to use proper materials and protective measures to prevent construction accidents involving falls. These regulations cover the most common sources of falls, including openings in walls, floors, and roofs; scaffolding; ladders; temporary staircases; and the edges of roofs.

Before a contractor can begin a fall protection program, he or she must identify all potential fall hazards in the workplace. Any time a worker is at a height of six feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected from falling. Some precautions include:

• Selecting fall protection systems appropriate for the building site
• Proper construction and installation of safety systems
• Proper supervision of employees
• Use of safe work procedures
• Proper training of employees in the use of the safety system

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a fall at a work site, the construction lawyers at Sheridan & Murray can thoroughly and expeditiously evaluate your claim and provide you with experienced legal representation to fully protect your rights. Please contact us immediately at (877) 699-7800 to schedule a free consultation.