Hillstone Law – Advocating for California’s Injured Workers and Their Families
The number of fatal work-related injuries is increasing across the United States and many of these tragic losses could have been prevented. Families affected by fatal construction accidents often face emotional devastation and financial hardship. To make matters worse, securing the death benefits they’re entitled to can sometimes turn into a legal battle. At Hillstone Law, our California wrongful death attorneys are committed to helping families seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable.
Fatal Construction Accidents on the Rise
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows a disturbing trend:
- In 2016, there were 5,190 workplace fatalities a 7% increase from the previous year, marking the third consecutive annual rise and the highest number since 2008.
- The construction industry accounted for 991 deaths, up from 937 in 2015.
- Construction made up 1 in 5 work-related fatalities in 2016.
Among the hardest-hit sectors were:
- Specialty trade contractors – 631 deaths
- Building construction – 182 deaths
- Heavy and civil engineering – 159 deaths
Notably, roofers and first-line supervisors experienced record-high fatalities.
The “Fatal Four” Construction Hazards
According to OSHA, four types of accidents were responsible for nearly two-thirds of all construction-related deaths in 2016:
- Falls – 384 deaths (38.7%)
- Struck by objects – 93 deaths
- Electrocutions – 82 deaths
- Caught-in/between accidents – 72 deaths
Additionally, fall protection violations, ladder safety, and scaffold issues ranked among the most frequently cited OSHA violations in 2017.
Steps Employers Should Take
Employers have a duty to create a safe working environment. This includes:
- Conducting regular safety meetings
- Enforcing OSHA standards
- Providing proper safety equipment
- Offering routine safety training
- Ensuring fall protection and hazard prevention measures are in place
What You Can Do to Stay Safe on the Job
As a construction worker, there are actions you can take to protect yourself:
- Always wear proper safety gear (hard hats, gloves, vests, boots, etc.)
- Follow OSHA and employer safety rules
- Understand emergency protocols
- Do not use broken or defective equipment
- Stay focused and avoid distractions
- Take scheduled breaks and stay hydrated
- Report hazardous conditions immediately
- Avoid horseplay on-site
- Never work under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Speak With a California Construction Accident Lawyer at Hillstone Law
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a construction-related accident, Hillstone Law is here to help. Our legal team understands the complexities of workplace injury and wrongful death claims. We’ll fight to make sure your family receives the compensation and benefits you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced California construction accident attorneys.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
