The following are some statistics from the U.S. Department
of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics on safety and
on-the-job injuries in the construction industry:
* One of every five workplace fatalities is a construction
worker.
* There were 1,225 fatal occupational injuries in
construction in 2001, excluding fatalities on September 11.
Also in 2001, there were 481,400 nonfatal injuries and
illnesses in construction. Incidence rates for nonfatal
injuries and illnesses were 7.9 per 100 full-time
equivalent workers in construction, and 5.7 per 100
full-time equivalent workers in all private industry in
2001.
* Because only about 10% of construction companies employ
more than 20 workers, the great majority have no formal job
safety regulations or programs in place.
* In 1992, the "lost-workday" rate for workers in the
construction industry was 5.7 per every 100 full-time
workers. This lost-workday rate was the highest of any
major economic sector.
* Nationwide, about 15% of workers' compensation costs are
attributable to injuries in the construction industry.
Virtually all significant injuries suffered in construction
accidents give rise to workers' compensation rights. Those
limited rights, however may be supplemented by legal
actions against others who have responsibility for various
activities on the job site, including construction
managers, general contractors, subcontractors, equipment
manufacturers, etc. These rights depend upon the
application of various complex laws and the individual
circumstances of the accident.
For example, in most construction projects, many different
contractors are involved. If any contractor other than the
direct employer has responsibility for the injuries, full
damages can be recovered. Likewise, if a defective tool,
machine, or other product causes injury, an injured worker
can be fully compensated.
Construction workers have a right to a safe workplace
according to OSHA, the Federal governing body for
occupational safety and health. If a workplace hazard
exists and action is not taken quickly, an employee should
contact an OSHA area office or state office via a written
complaint. If the OSHA or state office determines that
there are reasonable grounds for believing that a violation
or danger exists, the office will conduct an inspection. A
workers' representative has a right to accompany an OSHA
compliance officer during the inspection. The
representative is chosen by a union representative, if
there is one, or by the employees. Under no circumstances
may the employer choose the workers' representative. The
inspector may conduct a comprehensive inspection of the
entire workplace or a partial inspection limited to certain
areas or aspects of the operation. At the end of the
inspection, the OSHA inspector will meet with the employer
and the employee representatives to discuss the abatement
of any hazards that may have been found. These need to be
corrected or serious penalties and legal liabilities may
arise.
----------------------------------------------------
LegalView.com is an online resource with information on a
variety of legal matters. At http://www.legalview.com/ ,
visitors can access a large number of resources, including
an attorney referral service. The referral service can put
individuals in touch with experienced legal counsel, such
as a brain injury lawyer or a mesothelioma attorney. For
more information on construction accident litigation visit
http://construction.legalview.com/ .
No comments:
Post a Comment