Construction workers have one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Construction laborers have one of the highest rates of on-the-job injuries and illnesses compared to the national average.” While the economic climate is constantly changing, there is usually a relatively high demand for construction workers in an urbanized area like Pittsburgh. If you or someone you love works in the construction industry and was injured on the job, a Pittsburgh construction accident lawyer at Balzarini & Watson may be able to help you.

Over the years, our firm has successfully represented numerous members of the various construction trades injured in serious construction accidents, including:

• Ironworkers
• Boilermakes
• Electricians
• Painters
• Steamfitters
• Carpenters
• Operating engineers
• Laborers
• Roofers
• Bricklayers and Masons
• Plumbers

At Balzarini & Watson, our firm has extensive experience helping injured construction workers get the financial compensation they deserve after an accident to recover from their injuries. Listed below are some, but not all, of the construction accident cases we handle.

Statistically, electrocution is the second-most deadly type of construction accident. At construction sites, unprotected power lines are a constant source of danger to employees working at heights in proximity to them or using high machinery such as cranes or manlifts.

Falling or flying debris at construction sites is also one of the top causes of injury and death. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falling debris kills more than 200 construction workers every year. When workers do not take the proper precautions, tools, buckets and other material can fall from scaffolding and seriously injure or kill people.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified falls as one of the most serious threats to workers in the construction industry. The risk is so great that OSHA has implemented a unique set of regulations specifically for fall protection.

Scaffolds are potentially dangerous if they are not assembled correctly or used properly. For example, workers can put too much weight on a scaffold, causing it to collapse. Failure to inspect a scaffold before use can also be a fatal mistake. OSHA has regulations specifically for scaffolds.

OSHA enforces federal regulations for all types of workplaces, including the construction workplace. When serious accidents occur at the workplace, it can often be contributed to a violation of an OSHA law. OSHA is not always able to investigate these accidents, which is why independent investigations can be so vital to worker compensation.