Construction Jobs Lead the Way in Workplace Fatalities
Maryland construction workers put their health and safety on the line performing dangerous work every day. Hazards exist for these workers even when they follow all prescribed safety standards.
According to research by AdvisorSmith, 8 of the 25 most fatal jobs and industries in 2018 were in construction:
- Roofers
- Ironworkers
- Power linemen
- Crane operators
- Construction helpers
- Highway maintenance workers
- Cement masons
- Construction workers (general)
Construction-adjacent industries and jobs, such as landscaping, grounds maintenance, and mechanic work were also listed in the Top 25.
Additionally, statistics from the report reveal that self-employed workers are more than 3 times likely to die on the job than salaried and hourly employees.
Common safety violations that lead to construction injuries
Even when strong safety protocols are in place on construction sites, the 118,520 construction workers in Maryland still face risks. The most common safety violations that result in construction site fatalities include:
- Failure or collapse of scaffolding – resulting from installing equipment on non-stable surfaces or not ensuring fully-planked walking areas to prevent falls
- Improper or inadequate trench excavations – Lack of proper bracing, shoring or installation of escape routes to keep workers protected from toxic fumes or cave-ins.
- Electrical code and practice violations – resulting from the use of worn out or faulty power tools; failure to de-energize cables or improper grounding which leads to electrocution
These violations contribute to what the Occupational Safety & Health Administration calls the “Fatal Four,” which are the leading cause of deaths in the industry:
- Falls
- Being struck by objects
- Getting caught in/between
- Electrocutions
Together, the Fatal Four accounts for nearly half – 48.6% – of all construction worker fatalities. Falls alone account for a third (33.5%) of all construction work fatalities. In 2018, construction work in general accounted for 21.1% of all worker fatalities in private industries throughout the country.
Regardless of whether a construction worker injury or death was the result of an unavoidable circumstance or safety violation, workers’ compensation benefits are meant to help workers make it through the difficult time of their recovery. These benefits may also help loved ones of a worker who has died on the job.
At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our team has many years of experience helping injured workers obtain the benefits they are owed. We are here to fight for the workers’ compensation you are owed. You can rely on the skill and relentless pursuit of justice our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to apply to your case. To set up a free, no-obligation consultation, give us a call today at 410.730.7737, or drop us a message through our contact form.
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Joshua Plaxen graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2012 magna cum laude. He was also inducted into the Heuisler Honor Society for finishing in the top ten percent of his class. During law school, Joshua served on the Executive Board of the University of Baltimore Law Review.