October 24, 2012

Construction Spending Rising, Phoenix Construction Accidents Likely to Follow

AZ Construction Worker InjuryRecent reports from Bloomberg Businessweek and from the Commerce Department of the United States indicate that spending in the construction industry, especially in home building, is now at a three-year high, and will continue to rise, especially in thriving metropolises like Phoenix. This also means that construction of more homes, and without significant attention, increased building will lead to additional Phoenix construction accidents and the subsequent deaths and injuries.

Reports show that construction spending nationwide has increased by around nine percent over the past 12 months in the homebuilding sector and that commercial spending is not far behind. In Arizona, and especially in Phoenix, multiple new road projects, housing developments, and business sites are currently in the works and construction workers should take extra precaution to keep themselves in good shape for new and increased demand.

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October 12, 2012

Protecting Yourself from Tempe Construction Back Injuries

AZ Construction Worker Back InjuryTempe construction accident back injuries are among the most common injuries suffered by construction workers in the city, throughout the state and nationwide. According to reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 3.05 million cases of injury recorded on construction sites every year.

Nearly 200,000 of these accidents involve injuries to the upper or lower back, with the majority of injuries involving the lower back. Construction accidents also result in large losses for companies and for employees due to the number of days of work that are missed as a result. Reports indicate that nearly 950,000 cases of injuries on construction sites each year result in days missed from work and that most cases of injury, especially those involving lower back injuries, often result in multiple days missed.

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October 4, 2012

How to Prevent Fall Deaths in Arizona Construction Accidents

Arizona construction accidents all seem to have a few things in common: there was negligence involved on the part of at least one person and that negligence likely violates at least one regulation set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The easiest way for construction site managers, companies, and laborers to prevent fall deaths in AZ construction accidents is to get smart and do these three simple things that officials believe can stop hazardous accidents from occurring:

  • Plan ahead to ensure that you have all of the correct machinery, safety equipment, and personnel to handle a job on time, on task, and safely.
  • Provide equipment that is meant for the job you need to get done and make certain that it is up to standard and up to code.
  • Train your workers so that they know not only how to handle equipment, but also dangerous situations and their own personal safety out on the site.

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September 28, 2012

Work Zone Safety Can Reduce Arizona Construction Accidents

AZ Construction Accident PreventionIn an effort to reduce car crashes throughout the state, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has taken on multiple reconstruction and repair projects on roads, traffic lights, and road shoulders. The more live projects there are, the higher the likelihood of a serious Arizona construction accident that only work zone safety measures can mitigate. Here are some ways residents and workers can keep construction zones safe for everyone.

  • Watch for construction signs and do what they say, whether you are driving, walking, or riding a bicycle.
  • Do not play in or around construction sites.
  • Expect the unexpected and stay away from construction sites as much as you possibly can, including walking on the other side of the road or driving a different route.

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September 25, 2012

How Non-Workers Can Be Involved in an Arizona Construction Accident

When you think of an Arizona construction accident, you probably think of laborers being injured by faulty equipment or negligence, but you may not realize that bystanders and children may also be injured in these types of incidents as well. Here are just a few of the ways that non-workers can be hurt in an incident on or near a construction site.

  • Children who play in poorly secured construction areas may suffer slip-and-fall accidents, broken bones, head injuries, and even cuts and stab wounds.
  • People walking by a construction site during a demolition or other major process may be struck by flying debris or may slip on excess debris that has fallen onto the sidewalk.
  • Individuals walking, driving, or cycling near a construction site may be injured if a faulty piece of equipment falls onto the street or throws objects onto the sidewalk.

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September 17, 2012

Safety Tips for Avoiding an Arizona Construction Nail Gun Accident

Construction workers are exposed to hundreds upon hundreds of health and safety hazards every day, and for those using power tools on the job, an Arizona construction nail accident may not be very far away. A worker may have a claim for negligence if a third party hurts them while using a nail gun or other tools. While common sense is important in avoiding any on-the-job injury, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that there are several key ways that construction workers and construction supervisors can reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury nail gun accidents.

  • Provide or seek training for proper use of nail guns.
  • Put procedures in place for work using nail guns.
  • Make use of the full sequential trigger on your commercial nail gun.
  • Ensure that everyone in the vicinity of the work is outfitted with proper safety gear and equipment.
  • Teach first aid and ensure medical supplies are nearby.

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September 11, 2012

The Causes of Arizona Construction Accidents with Tower Cranes

As experienced Arizona crane accident injury attorneys, we know that many accidents on construction sites throughout Arizona may be caused by misuse of tower cranes or other crane-related mishaps. According to Tower Crane Support (TWC), around 38 percent of tower crane accidents on construction sites happen while in operation.

An additional 31 percent occur during assembly and disassembly, and yet another 23 percent are caused by strong winds when the crane is not properly situated for adverse conditions. Recent nationwide statistics reported by Crane Accidents indicate a minimum of 200 deaths a year as a result of tower crane accidents at construction sites.

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August 28, 2012

Water, Rest, and Shade Reduce Arizona Construction Accidents

Arizona Construction Heat StrokeDuring summer months, the number of accidents involving Arizona construction workers skyrockets, according to news reports. This is due, in part, to the increased number of construction projects that take place in during that time. But exhaustion and dehydration may also play a role. With air temperatures alone sitting well above 100 degrees and asphalt temperatures rising as much as 20 degrees above the current air temperature, construction workers may be prone to severe dehydration and heat stroke.

Heat stroke and dehydration may lead to delirium, fatigue, and an inability to focus, which can cause other severe on-the-job accidents like incorrect operation of equipment or construction site falls. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 4,200 workers throughout the United States suffer every year from heat-related illnesses sustained on the job at construction sites.

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August 22, 2012

The Risk of Asbestos Exposure for Arizona Construction Workers

Phoenix Asbestos CancerAs experienced Arizona construction accident attorneys, we are concerned about the exposure of construction workers and contractors to large amounts of asbestos during the construction process and the significant physical perils this exposure can cause. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies asbestos as a Class A human carcinogen due to the harmful effects the substance has on the human body when it is inhaled or otherwise ingested.

Construction workers who are exposed to asbestos during construction or demolition may suffer from respiratory illnesses and certain cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Additionally, the families of construction workers may be exposed to the same health threats when asbestos fibers are carried home on clothing or in the worker’s hair.

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August 20, 2012

Top Five Tips for Avoiding Injuries in Yuma Construction Accidents

Recent news reports indicate that the Yuma economy is bouncing back and the large number of new construction projects for buildings and roads is a sign that these reports are accurate. With all the new construction around, it is important for construction workers to stay as safe as possible at work to avoid serious injuries. The following are some safety tips for construction workers:

  1. Watch how you lift objects and make sure you’re doing it properly.
  2. When you’re working at low levels, get low. That means kneeling down or sitting down. Don’t try to bend over.
  3. Balance your weight as much as possible. If you have a lot to hook onto your tool belt, spread it out.
  4. Keep your arms and wrists at neutral to avoid injuries.
  5. Use the right tools in the proper manner and hold them correctly.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Yuma Construction Accident

Although some Yuma construction accidents can be avoided by workers if they utilize proper safety techniques, some workers will still be injured at work due to the negligence of a third party. If you are hurt in a construction accident while on site in Yuma, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible through the Workers Compensation system and inform your employer in writing of your injuries. Afterward, be sure to file all of your claims and paperwork with Workers Compensation. It is also a good idea to take photographs of the injuries you sustained so that you can be sure they are completely and accurately documented. Finally, you would also be well-advised to contact a skilled Yuma construction accident injury attorney.

What a Yuma Construction Accident Attorney Could to Do to Assist You

If you are hurt in a Yuma construction accident you may be having trouble collecting enough money from Arizona Workers’ Compensation to cover your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. You may be entitled to collect additional funds from the at-fault party. The Husband and Wife Law Team negotiates for a fair settlement above and beyond what injury victims receive from Workers Compensation to ensure that they are able to make a full recovery and not go into debt from their medical expenses and lack of ability to work. If you were hurt on-the-job, reach out to the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. for support today.

August 13, 2012

Fatal Arizona Construction Accidents: Facts and Figures

As experienced Phoenix, AZ construction accident lawyers, we never forget that construction workers make our cities move and grow--they build our roads, factories, homes, schools, hospitals, and more. Construction workers also endure daily hazards that can lead to serious injuries if proper regulations aren’t followed at the worksite. Construction workers are often exposed to dangers like electric shock, demolition, heights, and the depths of excavation. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the construction industry sees the highest number of fatal injuries in any private industry at 9.7 deaths per 100,000 workers. That is nearly three times the fatality rate for all other workers combined. In Arizona, where new roads, businesses, and buildings are constantly breaking ground, these numbers hold firm.

What to Do if Your Loved One Was Killed in a Fatal Arizona Construction Accident

If your loved one was killed in a fatal Arizona construction accident, the following are steps that you should take to ensure that your rights are upheld:

  • Gather documentation from the hospital and from your loved one’s employer detailing the injuries and work duties that led to their death;
  • File a claim with Worker's Compensation for your loved one’s benefits that should be paid due to their death occurring at work;
  • Take pictures of the scene of the accident; and
  • Obtain copies of any reports.

Why Contact an Arizona Construction Accident Attorney

Many people believe that they can handle claims from an Arizona construction accident on their own, but the best way to handle your case is to contact an experienced attorney who can help you to assert your rights. The Husband and Wife Law Team understand what it takes to win a construction accident claim. In fact, a verdict of the Husband and Wife Law Team's appeared in a magazine detailing the Top Verdicts in Arizona. Alexis and Mark Breyer will help you determine what the best way is to proceed with your claim. Contact the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today to get started on your case and learn all your options.

August 6, 2012

What Causes Pinal County Forklift Accidents?

As experienced Pinal County construction accident lawyers, we know that construction is not only a dangerous job, but a demanding one, and that it requires your attention to be on multiple tasks and risk factors at once. We also know that inattention causes a large number of needless construction accidents every year, including forklift accidents. Forklift accidents can also happen in a myriad of other ways, such as:

  • The forklift operator is not watching where they are going and strikes another crew member.
  • The forklift accelerator jams and will not stop, running into scaffolding or hitting individuals.
  • The forklift fails and drops its load on the guide or on other crew members.

No matter how a forklift accident occurs, the people who are injured should reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney for assistance.

Pinal County Forklift Accidents and Construction Fatality Statistics

Every Pinal County forklift accident has the potential to cause serious injuries and fatalities, and the people who are involved will likely need large amounts of medical care and will experience lengthy recovery periods. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the occurrence of roughly 1,250 deaths in the construction industry nationwide each year. Nearly 50 of the deaths reported in statistics are the direct result of the use of construction equipment, like forklifts. Forklifts and other equipment are also used in warehousing and other industries and may cause multiple deaths and injuries in those industries each year as well.

Why Reach Out to a Pinal County Forklift Accidents Attorney

Construction workers who are injured in Pinal County forklift accidents should assert and protect their rights by calling a skilled personal injury attorney. Attorneys Alexis and Mark Breyer know that many workers are led to believe that the only compensation they can receive from workplace injuries comes from worker’s compensation, but there are sometimes ways of filing a personal injury claim in addition if a third party was involved in causing the injury. We help construction workers and forklift operators who are hurt at work by investigating to see if there are any additional parties outside the worker’s own company who may potentially share the fault for the injuries suffered. Our settlements often include full compensation for all medical bills and injuries, lost wages, and time away from work, as well as other damages caused by a workplace accident. Call the attorneys at the Breyer Law Offices, P.C. today for help assessing your case and asserting your rights.