It is an unfortunate reality that accidents that happen on the job can claim lives. Many industries can face such risks, and even occupations that seem as if they do not pose many hazards could still have their share of fatal events. Of course, when construction accidents occur, many people may not find themselves surprised that serious or fatal injuries resulted.
It was recently reported that the number of fatalities that occur due to construction accidents continue to increase in New York. Apparently, 2016 saw 71 worker fatalities due to construction incidents, which was an increase from the 50 deaths that occurred in the state in 2014. It was noted that most of these deaths took place due to injuries suffered during or after falls.
The report also speculated that a decrease in the number of inspections conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration may have some relation to the increase in worker deaths. In 2016, 82 percent of construction sites where a fatality occurred had safety violations later discovered by OSHA investigations. When employers do not take the proper safety measures and meet the necessary regulations, fatal accidents could easily take place.
Though construction accidents can often prove fatal, each situation is different for those involved and their families. Many surviving loved ones may wonder whether they have any options for seeking compensation for the deaths of their family members, and in many cases, workers’ compensation may help. Qualifying individuals may have the ability to apply for and potentially obtain survivors’ benefits from workers’ comp. Because the process for gaining benefits can prove difficult in some cases, interested parties may wish to speak with New York attorneys.
Source: safetyandhealthmagazine.com, “Rising construction worker deaths in New York a ‘crisis,’ executive director of NYCOSH says“, Feb. 13, 2018
