Arizona Construction Accident Lawyer Blog

Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations a person can chose to work within. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are most often the cause of fatalities at construction sites. In fact, falls at construction sites account for approximately one out of every three construction-related fatality annually, and unfortunately, this rate is increasing. In 2007, there were 442 construction worker fatalities as a result of a fall at a construction site. In Arizona, there were 21 construction worker deaths associated with a fall in 2007.

To help construction workers identify the proper measures they should take to prevent falls at Arizona construction sites from occurring, OSHA recommends that workers do the following:

• Before beginning work, identify all possible fall and tripping dangers, paying particular attention to stairwells, unprotected floor openings and edges, skylights, and roof openings and edges.
• When you are beginning a new task, select, wear, and use appropriate fall protection equipment.
• Before using fall protection equipment such as harnesses or helmets, inspect them for possible defects.
• Before using a ladder, secure and stabilize it before climbing.
• When using a ladder, never stand on the top step.
• When walking up and down stairs, use the handrail.
• Always maintain a clean workspace, keeping equipment out of walkways to prevent falls from occurring.

Regrettably, sometimes no matter what precautions are taken, accidents happen due to another person’s negligence. An attorney with experience handling construction accident cases will review all details surrounding a fall at an Arizona construction site to determine liability and whether a third-party claim can be filed. Injured victims may be able to obtain compensation for hospital bills, ongoing medical expenses if needed, loss of wages, and more.

If you have been injured at a construction site in Arizona, you have legal rights. Contact the Mesa construction accident lawyers at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. who can help you conclude whether you have a substantial case. Call us today at 480-753-4534 to schedule your free consultation to discuss your Arizona construction accident claim.

WHTM.com reports that a trench collapse occurred at a construction site in York County, Pennsylvania and left one construction worker dead and another seriously injured. According to the article, the two men were laying pipe for a storm water drainage project while another worker was operating a backhoe nearby. The two men were exiting the 20-foot trench when they felt it beginning to give way, and ran but did not escape in time.

The rescue of the two construction workers took several hours as responders took extra precautions to prevent the occurrence of another trench collapse. A crane was brought to the scene and a large metal box was put into the trench for reinforcement. Officials report that one worker died immediately after the trench collapsed, and was found in an upright position fully submerged in dirt 14 hours later. The other worker was rescued six hours after the incident and was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

While it is not known what caused the trench to collapse, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that employers take precautions regarding trench and excavation work at construction sites, including but not limited to:

• A “competent person” must inspect all trench work on a daily basis. If there is evidence of a cave-in or a slide, all work must cease.
• Employers are required to slope sheet, brace, or shore sides of a trench in unstable material.
• If heavy equipment is being operated near a trench, extra measures must be taken because of the extra weight imposed on the ground.
• Material and equipment used for excavation must be placed at least two feet away from the trench’s edge.
• There should be a means of escape from a trench, like a ladder, in place.
• Water is not allowed to accumulate in a trench.

Despite these safety standards, trench collapse accidents continue to take place throughout the United States. The Phoenix trench accident lawyers at The Breyer Law Offices P.C. understand the difficulties and financial burdens a construction worker faces following a serious injury on the job. Our attorneys will work hard to make sure those injured while at work are compensated fairly for their losses. If you have been injured while working at a construction site in Arizona, please contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our Arizona construction accident attorneys. Call 480-753-4534 today.