Construction work is some of the most lucrative in the United States when the economy is in good shape. However, falls are a leading cause of death in Texas construction accidents. These past few years have been a struggle for anyone in the industry.
The unfortunate side effect of this problem is that people lucky enough to land a construction job are likely to overlook safety infractions as a trade-off for keeping the job. This has the potential to end badly for someone.
For decades, the personal injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm in Houston have secured substantial settlements for severe injuries and wrongful death in construction fall cases. Let us help you!
Falls Account for Most of The Fatal Construction Accidents
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) states that ‘falls’ account for a third (one of every three construction-related deaths) of the fatalities in construction and are the leading cause of death overall. (Frankly, falls are a deadly problem in all industries (roofing, electrical work, etc.) – nearly half of all fatal falls happen when individuals topple from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding.)
Once a worker is above the first floor, they may fall due to multiple factors that put them in danger, including unprotected sides, openings in walls and floors, improper scaffold construction, and even the misuse of portable ladders. Several suggestions, including guardrails, restraints, and additional measures, can be implemented at construction sites to prevent deadly falls.
Construction employees are advised to ask their employers for the fall prevention plan (or a person who works ‘off the ground’) and then use it.
There are many kinds of fall protection, some more effective than others. Even with fall protection equipment, a construction worker is not guaranteed to be safe from injury or death in a fall. Fall equipment can fail, and employers may fail to implement proper fall protection procedures as required by OSHA.
Our Construction Accident Cases Have Resulted in Changes to Fall Equipment
Just having fall protection is not enough; the safety equipment itself must be effective in saving lives.
Construction accident lawyers in Houston at Baumgartner Law Firm have secured record settlements in wrongful death cases and have been instrumental in prompting product manufacturers to implement safety changes to their fall protection products. We are proud that our advocacy will save lives!
OSHA Fall Protection Rules
Employers have specific obligations related to fall protection to ensure the safety of their employees. Under OSHA fall protection guidelines, employers must:
- Place guards on every floor hole
- Install guardrails and toeboards
- Provide guardrails regardless of height to prevent falls into dangerous equipment
- When appropriate, provide safety harnesses and lines, handrails, and safety nets.
Additionally, OSHA requires employers to:
- Keep working conditions free of known dangers
- Keep floors clean and in as dry a condition as possible
- Provide personal protective equipment
- Adequately trained workers about job hazards
OSHA is not Always Helpful to the Victim After a Construction Accident Fall
Usually, after a fatal accident, OSHA investigates the incident and prepares an initial report based on its findings. Most of the time, the company seeks to negotiate a settlement after an OSHA violation to prevent the OSHA citation from being admissible in the ensuing wrongful death lawsuit or personal injury case.
If you have lost a loved one, call a Houston construction accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm ASAP to prevent the destruction of vital evidence.
Start an Investigation ASAP with Serious Injuries
The more severe the accident, the sooner you should get and preserve important evidence.
Talk with a Construction Accident Law Firm in Houston
To speak with a leading construction accident attorney, call the Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111 to discuss your rights and options, or fill out an online case consultation request!
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