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Houston Construction Worker Death Accident Attorney

Houston Construction Worker Death Accidents are growing at an alarming rate according to local Houston officials.  According to OSHA statistics, over 5000 workers died on the job in 2019, of which 20% were from construction accidents.  In 2021, Houston was the second-ranked city in the nation for construction workers because of the amount of construction activity in the area.  Many of these jobs are necessary but dangerous.  Whether you are an employee working in a construction zone or a member of the public that got injured or killed due to safety lapses at a construction site, you have the right to fair compensation. 

Construction work is a dangerous profession, with a relatively high rate of accidents and fatalities compared to other industries. In the United States, the construction industry has consistently been among the top three industries with the most fatal workplace injuries.

Causes Of A Houston Construction Death Accident

Falls. One major cause of accidents and fatalities among construction workers is falling. This can include falls from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, and other elevated surfaces. According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Workers may fall due to a lack of proper fall protection equipment or training, or because of an unstable surface.  Many Houston Construction Worker Death Accidents are caused by a lack of proper fall protection while working on residential roofs.  Additionally, many roofing companies subcontract jobs to independent contractors that are not trained or qualified to do a dangerous roofing job. 

Machinery.  Another major cause of construction accidents is heavy machinery. This includes equipment such as cranes, excavators, bulldozers, and forklifts. Workers may be injured or killed by the equipment itself, or by objects that are being moved by the equipment. Workers should be trained to wear proper clothing for the job.  Loose clothing can get stuck in machinery moving parts and rotating blades. 

Caught-In Accidents.  Other common causes of construction accidents include being struck by an object, electrocution, and getting “caught in or between equipment or structures.”   According to OSHA, a caught-in-between accident occurs when a person is caught, pinched, crushed, or compressed between two or more objects.   For example, these accidents may include:

  • Being crushed with a caving wall
  • Having your finger or hand caught in a saw
  • Being caught in-between two machines
  • Being caught under falling heavy machinery
  • Being trapped under rubble from demolition work

Chemical Exposure. Construction workers may also be exposed to hazardous materials, such as lead or asbestos, which can cause serious health problems if not handled properly.

Recoverable Damages In A Houston Construction Death Accident?

The recoverable damages can be found in our Wrongful Death blog–Molina Law Firm Wrongful Death Blog.

The Wrongful Death damages may include:

  • Loss of companionship
  • Burial Costs
  • Loss of services
  • Loss of Advice and Counsel
  • Mental anguish

The Survival Damages may include damages to the deceased:

  • Pain and mental anguish
  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral expenses

In summary, construction worker accidents and fatalities are a serious concern. Falls, heavy machinery, being struck by an object, electrocution, and getting caught-in or between equipment or structures are the most common cause of accidents. Employers are responsible for providing safe working conditions and for training workers in proper safety procedures. Employees also have an important role to play in following safety protocols and in reporting any concerns to their employers.

 

Crane Work Injury

Accident Prevention

To prevent construction accidents and fatalities, employers have a responsibility to provide safe working conditions and to train workers in proper safety procedures. This includes providing personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots, as well as fall protection equipment and safety harnesses. Employers should also ensure that equipment is well-maintained and in good working condition and that workers are properly trained in the use of equipment.

However, even with the best safety precautions in place, construction accidents can still occur. When they do, it’s important for employers to quickly and thoroughly investigate the incident to determine the cause and to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

In addition to employer responsibility, employees also have the obligation of following the safety protocols, to report any violation of safety procedures, and to communicate any concerns they have to their employer in order to prevent accidents from happening.

Employers, supervisors, and other workers can take steps to prevent accidents. Employers can post proper warning signs in areas where collapses or cave-ins are a risk.   Safety inspections and safety meetings should take place daily.  Employers can also provide proper safety training for workers to use heavy machinery and materials. Negligent employers, contractors, and construction site owners that do not take these precautions increase the risk of accidents and injuries to workers and the public.

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