Keeping Yourself Safe in the Florida Construction Industry
Construction workers are among some of the hardest workers in our society. They require remarkable physical endurance and are tasked with creating, maintaining, and repairing our public areas so we can enjoy them and remain safe. Construction workers also face a variety of physical dangers on the job every day—a fact that can put their lives at risk and pose significant concerns for their family members at home. The Sun-Sentinel recently reported that there is a growing need for construction workers in south Florida; employment in this industry allegedly rose by 9.5 percent in Palm Beach County last year. Taking on a construction job can be a lucrative and rewarding career, but it is important to understand some of the dangers that a hard hat might not be able to protect you from.
Construction Accidents
Electricians, carpenters, equipment operators, concrete experts, and construction specialist jobs are available in south Florida. These demanding jobs are often passed over by the young people that might be best suited for the job. Young people may also be less susceptible to some work-related injuries that may occur on construction sites, although many accidents can be difficult to avoid no matter the worker’s age or fitness level. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is tasked with the responsibility of creating and enforcing rules in this industry, setting the requirements for training, supervision and safety protocols. Even when every rule is followed, accidents still happen.
Equipment Failures
Equipment failures are among the more concerning of construction accidents because they cannot be controlled by human operation. Given the sheer size, weight, and force of a piece of construction equipment, the slightest slip could be deadly. A scaffolding may collapse, injuring not only those that were standing on it but innocent workers and passersby below. Power tools may not work correctly. Machinery and cranes may malfunction or tip over. Any one of these incidents may cause serious injury to those around the workers and the workers themselves.
Falls and Traffic Accidents
Falls are also common construction accidents that are difficult to prevent that can lead to serious injury or death. Failing to pick up equipment or tools, miscommunication, or even strong winds may cause a worker to trip or fall. Add construction employees working near busy roadways in addition to the already present dangers of a construction site and the danger to the worker is multiplied. There is a reason why Florida patrols will double a fine for speeding in a construction zone to keep worker safety a priority.
Florida Construction Accident Lawyers
If you or anyone you know has been injured or killed in a construction-related accident, you and your family may be entitled to compensation. In cases involving serious injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. If the worker died, remaining family may be entitled to recover in a wrongful death action, granting them compensation for the loss of financial and familial support, in addition to funeral expenses. Regardless of the nature of the injury, our experienced construction accident lawyers at Alan Goldfarb, P.A. have the expertise necessary to effectively evaluate, litigate, and reach a resolution for you and your loved ones. Contact our Miami, Florida office toll free at 866-936-9761 to learn more about your legal rights.
