If there is one thing you can be sure of in Austin is that on any given drive you are likely to run into construction. It may be road repairs that close lanes, the demolition of a building or the erection of a new building. We depend on people in the construction industry to build and maintain our state’s infrastructure, but there is no doubt that construction work is dangerous work, that often leads to fatal construction accidents.
The statistics
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that across the U.S. 5,333 workers lost their lives on the job in 2019. This amounted to over 100 worker fatalities a week, or approximately 15 worker fatalities a day. Of these deaths, approximately 20% of worker deaths in the private industry in 2019 were in construction. Thus, in 2019 about one in every five worker fatalities took place in the construction industry.
What types of accidents lead to fatalities?
Federal OSHA identified the most frequently cited standards in fiscal year 2019. The top cited standard was inadequate fall protection in the construction industry. Another frequently cited standard was inadequate scaffolding requirements in the construction industry. In addition, inadequate ladder use in the construction industry was another frequently cited standard.
Learn more about construction accidents
Construction accident claims are a unique type of personal injury claim. There may be more than one party at fault for the injuries suffered, which can make construction litigation complicated. However, there is hope for construction accident victims. Our firm’s website on construction accidents may be a useful resource to those who want to learn more about this topic.
