northern california construction accident lawyers | Northern California Personal Injury Blog

Construction Zone Accidents Can Harm Both Workers and Motorists

By Kelly Balamuth on January 23, 2012

Construction zones can be difficult and dangerous places, whether you’re trying to drive through them or work in them. Every year, about 700 people die in construction zone car crashes, and over 100 of these are construction workers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California frequently tops the list of states with the most construction zone fatalities each year, along with Texas and Florida.

Within the entire construction industry, workers killed in road construction zones account for about eight percent of construction-site-related deaths each year. Most of these workers lose their lives when they are struck by some kind of moving vehicle – either a passenger or commercial vehicle trying to navigate the construction zone, or a construction vehicle working at the site.

Collisions between a vehicle and a construction worker on foot were more likely to take the worker’s life than collisions between a construction vehicle and a private vehicle. However, both types of collisions typically account for one-third to one-half of the construction worker deaths each year in California and the nation as a whole. Workers are also at risk from vehicles jackknifing or overturning, accidents in parking lots or on the side of construction zones, and common construction accidents like being struck by a heavy object.

Construction accidents can cause serious injuries. While workers’ compensation may cover some bills, it may also be important to hold any negligent third parties accountable for their actions as well. At Balamuth Harrington, our dedicated Walnut Creek construction accident attorneys are focused on giving injured workers the help they need after an accident. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call us today at (888) 254-1234 for a free and confidential telephone consultation.

OSHA Construction Worker Safety Tips

By Kelly Balamuth on December 20, 2010

At any given time, approximately 6.5 million people are working at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the United States, according to the Occupational & Safety Health Administration (OSHA). Unfortunately, the fatality rate for the construction industry is higher than for any other industry.

OSHA offers some valuable tips for construction workers about staying safe while on the job to prevent construction accidents from occurring. First, always wear the right personal protective equipment for the job, which can include protection for the face and eyes, feet, hands, and head. Make sure the equipment is maintained in good condition and that it fits properly.

Be careful when using scaffolding. Approximately 4,500 workers are injured, and 50 are killed, each year from accidents that involve scaffolding. Make sure the scaffolding is properly maintained and set on sound footing. The scaffolding should not be altered. It should not be used in bad weather or if covered with snow, ice, or any other slippery material. A scaffold should hold only the weight it was designed to support.

Electrical accidents are also a frequent source of injuries for construction workers. Make sure that damaged electrical cords are replaced quickly. Don’t put ladders or other equipment or materials within 10 feet of power lines. Maintain all electrical tools and equipment in safe condition and check regularly for defects.

Also, beware of elevated surfaces. Put guardrails around any surface that has been elevated more than 48 inches above the ground. Post signs showing the load capacity of the elevated surface. All elevated surfaces need to have four inch toe boards.

Have you been injured in a construction accident in Northern California? If so, you may have a claim against your employer and could receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact the Northern California construction accident injury attorneys at Balamuth Harrington at 888-254-1234 today for a free consultation on your case.