The construction of a home or office building can be one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Many of the tasks are performed at elevations high above the ground. High-rise construction involves the use of heavy equipment, power tools and complicated machinery. Here are the most common types of accidents that occur on building projects:
- Falls from heights – Workers may be on upper levels without adequate guardrails, or working on a roof. Frequently, construction elevators don’t have appropriate safety mechanisms. Workers can also sustain serious injury when ladders or scaffolding collapse, or when cranes, bucket trucks, cherry pickers or slings break down. Many workers are hurt when falling through holes or uncovered sections of an upper floor.
- Falling objects – Often, workers and contractors store tools, construction materials and even trash on upper levels of a construction project. Serious injury can occur when these items fall on other workers or bystanders.
- Dangerous or defective tools, machinery or equipment – Tools may not be properly designed, manufactured, or maintained, leading to breakdown.
- Exposure to electrical current – Workers may be exposed to hot power lines without proper grounding. Excavators may encounter buried power lines.
- Failure to monitor or supervise a work site – Often, the cause of workplace injury is simply neglect. A supervisor or general contractor may fail to oversee workers, allowing unsafe conditions to develop.
- Negligence in hiring or training – Frequently, general contractors will hire workers who lack the experience or skill to handle the dangerous tasks required on a construction site.
CONTACT MALLON & TRANGER
To learn your rights after a construction site injury, contact us online or call us at 732-702-0333 . There is no charge for your first meeting. We have offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant