A study published by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health claims that construction accidents have become the second-leading cause of death for construction workers. The construction industry is generally divided into residential and commercial. A commercial construction accident is an accident that occurs on a construction site during the building of a commercial structure, such as an office building, shopping center, or hotel.

These accidents can involve construction workers, site visitors, or members of the public who may be passing by the site. Common examples of commercial construction accidents include falls from heights, electrical shocks, collapsing structures, fires, and equipment-related construction accidents. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, many occupational safety hazards seriously injure or lead to construction worker deaths.

And with California ranked number five in fatal construction accidents, our experienced construction accident attorney has been busy helping victims harmed in a construction site accident. Contractors must pay workers compensation insurance in case negligence occurs on a job site. Below, our most experienced Los Angeles construction accident attorney, Michael Ehline, answers the most common questions on this topic.

What is the difference Between Construction and Extraction Occupations?

Construction occupations differ from those involving extraction, but they are both related to the construction industry. Below, we will discuss their similarities and differences in types of work, from laborers to technical land mining operations.

Construction Occupations

Construction occupations involve the physical construction of buildings and other structures. Workers in these occupations may perform tasks such as laying foundations, framing walls, installing electrical and plumbing systems, and finishing interiors. Some common construction-related occupations include carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and roofers. Construction site owners are legally liable to look after workers’ safety. In most cases, they must provide workers with safety equipment, including a helmet, to avoid being hit or struck by an object, such as a falling object dropped from scaffolding. Subcontractors will be outfitted by their own bosses, but ultimately, the superintendent is charged with carrying out the measure to keep construction workers safe.

Extraction Occupations

Extraction occupations, on the other hand, involve the removal of natural resources from the earth. This can include oil, gas, minerals, and other materials. Workers in these occupations may operate heavy machinery to extract resources, work in mines or quarries, or perform other tasks related to resource extraction. Some common extraction occupations include miners, quarry workers, and oil and gas workers.

While there is some overlap between these two types of occupations, they involve different skill sets and job duties. Construction occupations generally require more manual labor and may involve working with a wider variety of materials. In contrast, extraction occupations often involve working in hazardous environments and require highly specialized training and safety precautions beyond a typical commercial construction site. Their safety gear might include asbestos suits, oxygen tanks, and shelters to protect against an explosion and falling heavy objects.

Construction Accident Statistics in California?

According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 107 fatal occupational injuries in the construction industry in California in 2019. This number of work-related deaths represents a slight decrease from the previous year’s figure of 109 fatalities. The BLS also reported that the most common causes of fatal work injuries in California were falls, transportation incidents, and contact with dangerous construction materials, objects, and equipment. The public and private construction industry is supposed to keep workers safe from exposure to harmful substances to avoid fatal injuries and bodily harm.

It’s worth noting that the BLS data only covers fatal accidents and not injured workers. So there are many more non-fatal accidents that occur on construction sites each year, some of which can result in serious injuries and long-term disabilities. Therefore, it’s important for construction companies to prioritize safety and take measures to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.

Construction Workers Are At Risk in the Construction Industry

These accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities to California workers and may also cause significant property damage. Construction companies must adhere to safety regulations to prevent these accidents and provide their workers with the necessary training and protective equipment in these most dangerous industries.

There are several common types of commercial construction accidents that can occur in Los Angeles, some of which include:

1. Falls from heights: This is one of the most common accidents in commercial construction sites. It can occur when workers are working on elevated platforms or roofs without proper safety harnesses, guardrails, or safety nets.
2. Electrical accidents: Workers can be exposed to electrical hazards while working on electrical systems or using power tools. Electrical shocks, burns, and electrocutions are some of the common accidents that can occur in such situations.
3. Struck-by accidents: These types of accidents can occur when falling objects, such as materials or equipment, or vehicles like cranes, hit construction site workers.
4. Caught-in/between accidents occur when a worker gets caught between two objects or is trapped in machinery. Examples of these accidents include being caught in machinery, being crushed by heavy equipment, or getting stuck in trenches or excavation sites.
5. Slips, trips, and falls: Workers can slip, trip, or fall on wet surfaces, uneven floors, or cluttered areas on the construction site, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

To prevent these types of accidents, it is important for employers, private, city, state and federal, to implement safety procedures and provide proper safety training and equipment to their workers. Workers should also follow safety guidelines and report any unsafe conditions or practices to their supervisors.

What are the Most Common Injuries In Construction Accidents?

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-threatening injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the four main causes of construction-related deaths on construction sites across the United States are called fatal four, listed one through four below.

Some of the most common injuries that occur in construction accidents include:

1. Falls: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and even skylights are some of the most common construction accidents and can result in broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries during a renovation.
2. Struck by an object: Many injured construction workers are struck by falling objects such as tools, building materials, or debris, which can cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures, or other injuries.
3. Electrocution: Electricians and other workers who come into contact with live electrical wires or equipment may be at risk of electrocution, which can cause burns, cardiac arrest, and other injuries.
4. Caught in between: Injured workers and engineers who become trapped between equipment, machinery, or other objects may suffer from broken bones, crushing injuries, or asphyxiation. This is a leading cause of fatal construction accidents.
5. Repetitive motion injuries: Construction workers may also suffer from repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis due to performing the same task repeatedly. This is a very common workers’ compensation claim in the construction sector.

It’s important for construction companies to take measures to prevent these and other types of injuries from occurring, including providing workers with the necessary safety equipment and training, conducting regular safety inspections, and ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained. When they fail, and there are medical bills and lost time from work experienced by employees, workers comp claims are sure to follow.

How Do I Find a Construction Accident Attorney With Construction Experience in Los Angeles?

If you’re looking for a construction accident attorney with construction experience in Los Angeles, here are some steps you can take:

1. Research online: Use search engines to find construction accident attorneys in Los Angeles who have experience in representing construction workers in similar cases. You can also check out online directories, law firm websites, and lawyer review websites to get more information.
2. Check their experience: Look for an attorney who has experience handling construction accident cases, preferably someone who has worked on cases similar to yours. Check their track record and see if they have a history of successful settlements and verdicts.
3. Look for referrals: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know of any reputable construction accident attorneys in Los Angeles. You can also ask other attorneys for referrals, as they may know someone who specializes in construction accidents.
4. Schedule a consultation: Once you have found potential attorneys, schedule a consultation to discuss your case. During the consultation, ask questions about their experience, how they plan to approach your case, and their fees.
5. Consider their communication style: Choose an attorney who knows how to deal with general contractors, who communicates clearly, keeps you informed throughout the process, and responds to your inquiries promptly. If you want to get compensated, it starts with the right law with experience helping clients in these types of cases.

It is important to choose an attorney who has experience handling construction accident cases, as they will be better equipped to understand the unique challenges and complexities of these cases. Attorney Michael Ehline grew up in the construction industry and was also a licensed, bonded construction contractor responsible for managing a construction crew. He specializes in demolition and electrical work and knows how to deal with these cases from the inside out. He will use the laws to secure you maximum compensation for fatal accidents on job sites. Call him at (213) 596-9642.