Fatal Construction Accidents More Likely In Small Companies
Construction work is dangerous across the board, but some construction workers are in more danger than others. The data shows that the number of workers employed by a construction company can make a significant difference when it comes to safety.
In a 2018 quarterly report published by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), small construction companies – that is, companies with no more than 19 employees – experienced about 67 percent of all construction-related fatalities in 2016.
Why does this happen? As a rule, smaller construction companies may require their workers to exert themselves to excess while taking on large construction projects. Additionally, smaller companies may be more likely to cut costs and time by ignoring safety procedures and guidelines. In both instances, workers are put at a higher risk of being fatally injured.
A deeper dive into the findings
From 2011 to 2016, the most common fatal construction accidents, coined “The fatal four” by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), included:
- Falls to lower levels: Involves falling from scaffolds, ladders, and other heights. Construction companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 61.5 percent of these fatal accidents.
- Struck by accidents: Construction companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 32.8 percent of fatal accidents involving workers being struck by equipment and debris.
- Electrocutions: Electrocution deaths on construction sites are often caused by exposed wires or wires in contact with water. Companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 55.6 percent of these fatal accidents.
- Caught-in/between accidents: Involves being caught in or between equipment or structures. Construction companies with no more than 10 employees experienced 44.9 of these fatal accidents.
During that same time period, construction companies with no more than 10 employees had the majority of fatal accidents in certain subsectors. These include:
- Residential building: 77.6 percent
- Siding contractors: 75.7 percent
- Framing contractors: 75 percent
- Painting and wall covering: 72.9 percent
- Roofing contractors: 70.7 percent
- Masonry contractors: 65.6 percent
- Drywall and insulation: 56.3 percent
- Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning: 52.1 percent
Of course, fatal accidents happen at larger construction companies as well. Businesses of all sizes cut corners on safety.
Injured on the job? Know your rights
Even when construction accidents aren’t fatal, they can leave workers with devastating injuries that can require months of medical treatment. X-rays, pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery aren’t cheap. You may wonder how you can afford to pay hefty medical expenses if you’re unable to work.
Luckily, if you are injured on the job in Massachusetts – regardless of who’s at fault in most cases – you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This will cover your medical bills and partial wages you earned while at work. Contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl today to get your claim started.