Two Construction Site Deaths Underscore Need for Workplace Safety

The Sacramento Bee reports that a Southern California Edison contractor has died in a construction accident. According to reports, the man was working at a construction site in West Hollywood when he was crushed between a construction crane and a trailer. He had been employed by Edison to perform electrical work in connection with the building of a large hotel and residential complex on the Sunset Strip. California OSHA is conducting an investigation of the accident.
This is the second fatal construction accident in Los Angeles in less than a week. Just a few days earlier, a construction worker died on his second day on the job after falling from the 53rd floor of the Wilshire Grand Center tower.
Incidents such as these – falls from building and “being caught in-between” represent a large percentage of worker injuries and deaths. Other often cited causes of serious personal injuries and deaths at construction sites include workers being struck by objects and electrocutions.
Perhaps not surprisingly, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the top three federal safety violations at construction sites include failing to adequately protect workers from falls, poor communication with workers about hazards, and safety lapses on scaffolding.
Where a general contractor/owner of a site creates an unreasonably hazardous condition at a work site, and a worker is injured, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced California construction accident attorney who can advise you concerning your rights. While in most situations, it may be possible to obtain California workers compensation benefits, you may also be able to bring a lawsuit for civil damages. By filing a civil lawsuit, you may be able to recover greater compensation than is provided for by workers compensation laws. Important deadlines must be complied with or compensation may be denied. A skilled personal injury lawyer can explore your options and help you determine the best options for recovery in your circumstance.
For more information, please contact the dedicated Oakland construction accident lawyers at Viadro Law, LLP for an immediate consultation.