Construction Site Hazards And Liability

Construction Site Hazards & Third-Party Liability for Injured Workers

Construction sites can be dangerous for the workers who are on the job. If the premises are not kept safe or if there are errors by the construction site management team, it can lead to a serious injury for construction workers. Construction sites often involve multiple subcontractors, service providers, suppliers and heavy equipment, all operating at once.

There are complex issues that go into construction accident lawsuits when it comes to liability. Contact the Louisiana construction accident lawyers of Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards if you have been seriously injured while working on a construction site. We can help identify potentially liable parties and work to obtain compensation for your injuries. Workers who suffer injuries in construction generally cannot sue their employers for damages for work-related injuries. An injured worker’s remedy is in receiving workers’ compensation benefits. However, the worker may have a third-party claim.

Third-Party Claims in Construction Site Accidents

Our lawyers have represented clients in communities across Louisiana for workplace accidents and personal injury lawsuits for decades. If you have been in a construction accident and someone other than the employer caused the accident, as a worker you may have a third-party claim for liability and may be able to successful bring a lawsuit for damages. Potential third parties may be the owners, general contractors, construction managers, inspectors, subcontractors, architects and engineers, or manufacturers of defective equipment.  

Our firm has the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident scene to determine who should be liable for your injuries and the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of your accident. Employers in every industry have an obligation to keep workers safe. If you are someone you care about has been injured in a construction accident, contact the Louisiana construction accident lawyers at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards to schedule a free consultation.

In the construction industry, the fatal injury rate is higher than the national average for every other industry, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The top four causes of construction fatalities are known as the “Fatal Four.” These include:

  • Falls
  • Struck-By
  • Caught-In/Between
  • Electrocutions

Safety Hazards on Construction Sites

Safety hazards on construction sites include dangerous conditions that could cause illness, injury or death. Safety hazards can come from the location where the work is performed, such as working at height or within a confined area, or the equipment and conditions of the site itself.

Some of the most common types of safety hazards found on construction sites include:

  • Conditions that could cause trips or falls on walking surfaces, such as pooled water, cords across flooring or uneven surfaces.
  • Moving objects including vehicles, construction machinery and lifting equipment overhead.
  • Height risks, such as raised work areas, ladders, roofs and scaffolding, leading to fall injuries.
  • Machinery without protections that could cause a worker or a worker’s body parts to be pulled into the equipment, trapped, or dislocated.
  • Electrical hazards such as frayed cords, exposed wires or a lack of grounding.
  • Confined spaces putting workers at risk of exposure to toxins or oxygen-deficient environments, such as in trenches or tanks.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that nationally in 2018 – among those working in construction employment – of 100 full-time workers, an average of three workers suffered a work-related fatality, injury or illness. The BLS includes carpenters, construction laborers and managers, electricians, operating engineers and construction equipment operators in this occupational data. This information does not include roofers, but roof fatalities accounted for one-third of fatal falls in construction from 1992-99, with workers in residential building being at higher risk.

Physical Hazards on Construction Sites

Physical hazards on construction sites can cause harm to the body, whether direct contact with the body is made or not. These hazards are related to the environment and conditions on the job site.

The following are types of physical hazards that are often found on construction sites:

  • Exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures
  • Prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays
  • Exposure to loud noises. OSHA’s permissible exposure limit is 90 A-weighted decibels over an eight-hour period.

Ergonomic Hazards on Construction Sites

Ergonomic hazards on construction sites are those that put strain on the body. These may include:  

  • Repetitive motions using arms, hands or legs, causing injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Frequent or repetitive lifting
  • Ongoing exposure to vibrations, such as those caused by pneumatic tools, including jackhammers
  • Being required to use excessive force frequently, leading to joint sprains and muscle strain injuries
  • Chairs, or workstations, that are improperly or awkwardly positioned

The effects of ergonomic hazards may go unnoticed for a few days before the injured worker begins to feel the pain and other impact they have caused. Long-term exposure to ergonomic hazards can lead to medical conditions.

Chemical Hazards on Construction Sites

Chemical hazards can occur whenever construction workers are required to handle chemicals while working, such as:

  • Cleaning products
  • Paints
  • Chemicals in containers that are not labeled
  • Solvents and acids
  • Pesticides
  • Flammable materials

While some chemicals used on construction sites are considered useful and relatively safe, others are extremely toxic. A worker’s reaction to chemical exposure varies significantly, and it may cause illness, breathing difficulties, skin irritations, chemical burns and other allergic reactions.

Whether the chemicals were improperly stored causing a chemical leak, toxic substances becoming airborne such as asbestos from construction materials or the mishandling of toxic substances due to inadequate training or negligence, hazardous chemical exposure can occur in construction environments.

If your injury or illness was caused by a negligent third party such as a subcontractor, the property owner of a client’s work site, the manufacturer of defective equipment or packaging, a third-party personal injury lawsuit can provide additional compensation.

A personal injury lawsuit can also include damages such as pain and suffering, future medical care, and loss of consortium, which are not available from workers’ compensation benefits.

If you were seriously injured on a construction site, the Louisiana construction accident lawyers of Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards are ready to help. We will work hard to make sure you receive enough compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and any other damages you sustain, along with compensation for your pain and suffering. We work on a contingency fee system, meaning if we don’t win compensation for you, you will not pay us any legal fees. Our lawyers are prepared to discuss your potential claim during a free consultation.

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