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The Risks of Working in the Construction Industry: Insights from a Job Site Injury Lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida

Job site injury lawyer in Winter Haven Florida

Construction is one of the world’s largest industrial sectors, encompassing many types of building and civil engineering jobs. The construction industry in Central Florida is booming. Unfortunately, due to the risks to the workers, construction remains Florida’s most dangerous industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the private construction industry had the highest number of fatalities in Florida among all industries in 2019.

Working in Florida’s construction industry is risky for multiple reasons. Below, this job site injury lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida is going to discuss some of the most common risks of working in construction.

1. Working at great heights

Construction workers must be aware of the risks of falling from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops and being injured or killed due to defective equipment and heavy machinery. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from heights are the leading cause of construction worker fatalities. Compared to other types of on-the-job injuries, those caused by a fall are more likely to be fatal. A fall injury is also more likely to be severe than overexertion injuries, an injury from a falling object, or an injury from a machinery accident.

2. Being hit by any piece of equipment or object

Construction workers put in significantly more hours of manual labor than those in other industries and are also more likely to work with heavier machinery. As a result, they are more likely to be injured by struck-by and caught-in accidents. For example, they can get pulled into or caught in machinery and power tools or get struck by falling, swinging, or rolling objects, such as materials, collapsing structures, and even tools.

3. Electrocutions

Among the “Fatal Four” hazards in construction, electrocution is the third most common cause of death. Most construction tools and equipment are powered by electricity, and unfortunately, being exposed to high levels of electrical voltages and currents can result in electrocution. Electrocutions in a construction site are often caused by improper extension cord use, contact with live electrical equipment and wiring, and overhead or underground power cables. If you’ve been involved in any electrical incidents at a job site, no matter how minor they might have been, it’s wise to contact a job site injury lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida.

4. Harmful dust exposure

Dust is a common risk on construction sites. Construction dust is usually an invisible, microscopic, and toxic mixture of dangerous compounds and fibers — asbestos, crystalline silica dust, wood dust, and drywall dust are some examples. Exposure to construction dust can cause lung damage and diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and silicosis. In addition to causing life-threatening lung diseases, dust is a nuisance. It reduces worker visibility, leaving them more susceptible to on-the-job accidents and injuries. 

5. Overexertion

Construction work often involves performing tasks that require a great deal of physical exertion or are detrimental to one’s posture. For example, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise handling heavy loads around the construction site can result in overexertion injuries such as muscle strains and repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Overexertion injuries are not deliberate — as any reputable job site injury lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida will tell you, the primary causes of these injuries are embedded in the worker’s specified tools and work techniques.

Are You Looking for a Job Site Injury Lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida?

Have you or a loved one sustained an injury on a job site? If so, and if you’re looking to partner with the premier job site injury lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida, look no further than Tonya Stewart Law PA. Tonya Stewart and her legal team can help you build a compelling case by proving the at-fault party’s negligence and how their negligence caused your injuries, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free legal consultation.