Prevalence of Road Construction Accidents in Florida

Do you know the top leading causes of construction site accidents in the state of Florida? Here at Pam Olsen Personal Injury, our team of legal professionals are here to inform you of the top ten leading reasons why many people get in accidents while working construction. When it comes to keeping you safe at work, we are here to make sure you have all the information you need to safe.

Top 10 Reasons

1. Fall Hazards
   1. The number one danger on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s “Fatal Four” list for the nation’s construction workers is falling. Falls are the leading cause of construction worker deaths in Florida, contributing to one-third of all on-the-job deaths in the industry. Falls from roofs are the most common in the state, followed by ladders, building girders, floors, and scaffolding. Employees working from more than six feet off the ground should use personal fall protection gear, as OSHA outlines in its occupational hazard regulation guidelines.
2. Unsafe Drivers
   1. Car accidents are another leading cause of construction worker death, taking 24 lives in Florida in 2012. Construction worker vehicle accidents may be due to improper driver training, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or some fault on the part of the other driver involved.
3. Dangerous Equipment
   1. Construction workers have to work with heavy machinery and complex equipment, as well as a variety of dangerous tools and materials. Coming into contact with objects and equipment can easily lead to amputations, getting caught in machinery, concussions and other head injuries, and crush injuries. Workers can mitigate these serious hazards by wearing proper head protection and using accepted safety techniques while operating equipment.
4. Falling Objects
   1. Objects may fall from rooftops, scaffolding, or high platforms, striking workers below. Even with a helmet on, heavy objects and building materials can seriously injure and kill construction workers. Falling hammers, bricks, or power tools can maim workers and lead to devastating head and brain injuries. Workers must secure their tools and materials carefully while working at heights.
5. Violence
   1. Many construction workers in Florida are the victims of physical assaults and animal attacks. Violent assaults may come from coworkers – sometimes using equipment and tools on construction sites. Animal attacks may occur from wild dogs or loose dogs on someone’s property. One Florida construction worker was even the victim of a tiger attack at a private residence.
6. Fires and Explosions
   1. Construction workers often have to handle hazardous equipment such as electrical wiring, leaking pipes, and flammable chemicals. Improper handling or storage can lead to dangerous fires and explosions, as can smoking on the job.
7. Electrocutions
   1. Another one of construction’s fatal four, electrocution, is a serious threat to Florida’s construction workers. Working with power cords and electrical wires takes a certain level of education and training, as well as proper safety attire, to avoid harmful and potentially fatal contacts with live wires.
8. Exposure to Harmful Substances
   1. Exposure to harsh chemicals and materials such as asbestos, as well as breathing in construction dust, can lead to many different construction worker injuries and illnesses. Workers may suffer lead poisoning, chronic dust disease of the lung, or mesothelioma from their workplace environment. Welding jobs may also lead to exposure to toxic chemicals.
9. Heatstroke and Dehydration
   1. Construction workers in Ocala have to deal with extreme heat in the months of July and August, leading to frequent cases of dehydration and heatstroke. Heatstroke can severely damage the brain, heart, and kidneys. Workers need to drink plenty of water, wear sun protection gear, and take frequent breaks when the sun is high.
10. Repetitive Motion
    1. Construction requires a lot of heavy lifting and hard physical labor, leading to many repetitive motion injuries over time. Workers may suffer joint and muscle damage due to overuse from performing the same tasks over and over again.

Call Us Today!

We want you to make sure you stay safe while working on construction sites. We know all about the top accidents that happen construction. Pamela Olsen, Attorney, and Counselor at Law, P.A., is an experienced attorney who strives to help clients with their legal issues. She has a winning history in the accident and wrongful death cases in Ocala, Florida. Call today for more information! If you or your loved one have been injured in a road construction accident, now is the right time to seek help. Contact Pam Olsen today at (352) 671-9777. Or if you prefer, Schedule a Consultation with Pam Olsen, Esq.