Construction is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 937 construction workers died due to on-the-job injuries in 2015, which accounted for about 1 in 5 work-related deaths in the private sector.

Although there are several factors that contribute to construction accidents, the following hazards have been dubbed “The Fatal Four” because they cause about 64.2 percent of all construction fatalities:

  1. Falls;
  2. Struck by object injuries;
  3. Electrocutions; and
  4. Caught-in/between accidents.

Workers who are lucky enough to survive their injuries often face an uphill climb to recovery. The cost of medical bills and lost income can be exorbitant, but if your injury occurred on the job, you have the right to claim compensation.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a construction accident, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch,PC. Our lawyers have a combined 32 years of experience in legal practice, and we will compassionately represent your interests. Call 505-207-4401 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a head injury attorney in Albuquerque.

Let’s examine the four deadliest accidents on construction sites:

  1. Falls

It is often necessary for construction workers to labor at great heights, and flimsy scaffolding is not always sufficient to prevent falls. About 38.8 percent of all construction fatalities in 2015 occurred in falling accidents.

Workers can avoid falls by following OSHA’s regulations related to fall protection (29 CFR 1926.501), scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451), and ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053).

  1. Struck by Object Injuries

Most construction sites cannot operate without heavy machinery and power tools. When this equipment strikes a worker, it can cause severe and potentially fatal head injuries. In 2015, at least 90 construction workers died in “struck by object” accidents.

Workers can avoid these injuries by wearing the appropriate safety equipment, the most important of which is a hardhat. Workers who labor at a significant height should also make sure their equipment is secure.

  1. Electrocutions

Live wires require expert handling to avoid injuries. Unfortunately, despite OSHA regulations that govern wiring methods and equipment, electrocutions still happen. About 8.6 percent of all construction fatalities in 2015 involved electrocutions.

Workers can avoid electrocutions by following OSHA’s regulations for electrical wiring methods, components, and equipment (29 CFR 1910.305). Electrical workers should also be familiar with OSHA’s electrical systems design requirements (29 CFR 1910.303).

  1. Caught-in/Between Accidents

These accidents caused about 7.2 percent of construction site fatalities in 2015. Workers can avoid caught-in/between accidents by:

  • Not standing between machinery and an immovable object or structure; and
  • Being cautious when standing on the sides of an excavation site or trench.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a construction accident, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch, PC to discuss your options for recovering compensation. Call 505-207-4401 to schedule a free initial consultation with a construction accident lawyer in Albuquerque.