According to a recent study, which compiled data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), almost six in ten (57%) of deaths on construction sites stem from one of four types of accidents: falls from heights, falling objects, electrocutions and workers being caught between objects. More than a third of all construction site fatalities (36%) resulted from falls, and just 2% were caused by workers being crushed between construction site machines, tool or equipment. The statistics were gathered from the 2012 calendar year.
On a larger scale, the study confirmed what many already knew–the construction industry is one of the most dangerous places in the country to work. OSHA reported more than 5,700 workplace deaths in 2012, with more than one in eight (775) of them happening on a construction site. The transportation and warehousing industry, which includes trucking operations, was second, with 677 deaths. Both industries had comparable fatality rates, with approximately 14 of every 100,000 workers dying on the job.
Within the construction industry, the workers most at risk are among “specialty trade constructors,” such as foundation, concrete and structural steel workers, who accounted for nearly half of the fatal accidents (48%). Engineering (utility, road, sewer) and building contractors (residential, remodeling) came in a distant second and third, at 17% and 16%, respectively.
Contact New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr
At the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, we have fought for the rights of personal injury victims in central New Jersey for more than four decades. We carefully choose the cases we handle, so that we can provide the highest levels of service and personal attention to each client. We are also happy to take over your case, if your first lawyer does not seem to have your best interests in mind.
To set us a free initial consultation, send us an e-mail or call our office at 732-537-8570.
