• Construction Site Falls
• Electrical Accidents
• Site Accidents
• Fires, Explosions & Burns
• Equipment Accidents
• Defective Equipment

Equipment Accidents

Unsafe/Dangerous Construction Equipment

The size and brute power of the machines and equipment used in the construction industry can be responsible for some of the most dreadful injuries if not used carefully and professionally. Construction equipment, like most machinery, can experience mishap and failure - particularly if it is overused, older or improperly maintained.

Everything from bulldozers to fork lifts to scaffolding and ladders can cause potentially fatal accidents. More than 1,000 construction workers are killed each year, many of whom would now be alive if not for the failure of a manufacturer or employer to provide safe equipment, or even for the negligence of those responsible for repair and maintenance.

Although most construction workers are fully trained in safety procedures and precautions, even the smoothest running jobsite can become dangerous if overrun with defective equipment. If an accident caused by defective construction equipment has affected your life or the life of someone you know, you deserve to take action against those responsible. Contact an Orlando construction injury attorney right away, and start to make your life whole again.

Unsafe/Faulty Ladders

A ladder is one of the most used types of construction equipment, but one that is often taken for granted. Ladders helped create the pyramids of Egypt, construct the aqueducts of Rome, and helped assemble the Sears Tower. Ladders remain an easy way to move from one level to another, and these simple wooden or steel frames are the basis upon which the construction industry is built.

Unfortunately the safety precautions associated with ladders are often taken lightly. Out of the 1,000 construction workers killed every year one-third of them are killed by falls, a large number due to a damaged or defective ladder. These essential pieces of equipment often go overlooked during safety inspections, and as a result cause serious injury and sometime even death.

Punch Press Malfunctions

Punch presses are used in metal work, typically to cut holes into metal sheets or plates. The nature of punch press machines makes them extremely powerful and very dangerous. In order to provide a safe working environment, punch press operators must always practice the highest level of professionalism and safety.

Unfortunately, even when the appropriate safety measures have been taken, punch press malfunctions may occur that are out of the control of workers. Punch press malfunctions can result in gruesome injuries including amputations, puncture wounds, and death. In some cases these malfunctions are caused by faulty machinery, but in others they stem from a negligence of a worker or lack of maintenance.

If your life has been impacted by a punch press malfunction or injury, do not hesitate to discuss your case with an experience and compassionate Orlando construction injury attorney. By seeking legal action against those responsible for your suffering you can be compensated for expenses and take steps to prevent similar accidents from harming others in the future.

Forklift Accident

Forklifts are extremely useful vehicles for moving heavy construction materials. However, with their prevalence comes a high price. Close to 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 seriously injured in forklift-related accidents each year across the United States. With such staggering numbers, it is important to be aware of and closely follow forklift safety guidelines and regulations.

Three of the most common accidents causing forklift fatalities are forklift overturns, workers on foot being struck by forklifts, and workers falling from forklifts. The hard work and cooperation of many is needed to take preventative steps against these accidents. It is the duty of the supervisor to create a safe work environment where forklift operators and other construction workers can work together in a safe manner. When one link in the chain of safety is broken, serious consequences may arise.

Dumpster Accidents

Dumpsters are synonymous with construction sites for their load-carrying ability and the need for a large receptacle to discard of trash. During the construction process, dumpsters may be moved to multiple locations at a worksite by trucks, forklifts, or other vehicles. When appropriate safety precautions are not followed during the relocating process, dumpster accidents may occur. These accidents can result in the serious injury or death of construction workers, and are often times very preventable.

Nail gun Accidents

Nail guns have proven to be handy tools at the worksite and have replaced hammers for many construction workers. Their power allows them to drive nails into the hardest of surfaces with ease, including concrete and steel. Because of this, nail guns deserve respect from their operators and the people around them. A disregard of safety around a nail gun can result in very serious consequences.

When nail guns malfunction, people can be injured or even killed. Nails that enter the body may cause infection or internal bleeding. A common nail gun injury is the penetration of the hand, but soft tissue injuries account for the bulk of nail gun accidents. There have been cases of nails penetrating the brain, spine, and mouth of victims in nail gun accidents.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of a nail gun accident, it is important to know your legal rights. Do not hesitate to speak with an Orlando personal injury attorney about your case so that you can take action against the parties responsible for your pain and suffering. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your loss that can offset medical expenses and allow your family to look forward to a stable future.

Compressor Accidents

Compressors are often used at construction sites to provide air power for many of the tools and utilities used by workers. Air compressors and gas compressors are not uncommon, and with their use is an accompanying increased risk to workers. Employees must exercise the appropriate precautions when working with or around compressors of any kind.

OSHA has established guidelines and standard operating procedures for construction workers and supervisors to follow when using compressors. Compressor accidents can result in serious injury or death. However, with proper care and attention to detail, these mishaps are entirely preventable. When supervisors and workers lose focus in their tasks, compressor accidents can happen.

Cutting Accidents

During the construction process many materials need to be cut to fit specific spacing needs. It is very common for extensive cutting to take place at any worksite. Wood, concrete, glass, plastics, and metals must all be sized to a custom fit and often the only tools that can perform this task are very sharp and dangerous to handle.

Cutting accidents are common, but usually preventable when effective safety precautions are taken and followed. Managers and supervisors have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe, and one of the most obvious areas that requires attention are cutting related tasks. In hazardous environments such as these, injuries resulting in the loss of limbs or life may sometimes result.