Elevator Fatalities Increase in the Construction Industry

A recent study by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) has found that elevator fatalities among workers have more than doubled since 2003 with the highest numbers in 2015. The CPWR also found that the most elevator fatalities occurred in the construction industry compared to other fields. The second highest field was manufacturing, followed by waste management and transportation.

Between 2011 and 2016, 145 construction workers were fatally injured in elevator accidents. Most accidents were caused by falls to a lower level.  Almost half of those falls were from 30 feet or more. Almost 40 percent of those fatalities happened when the construction worker was assembling or dismantling the elevator. About 19 percent of those fatalities happened while the worker was conducting repair or maintenance. Most of the construction workers that were fatally injured were working as building equipment contractors or drywall and insulation workers.

Out of the fatalities among construction workers, 40 percent suffered multiple traumatic injuries and disorders, followed by intracranial injuries at almost 21 percent. Other causes of death were internal injuries to organs, asphyxiations or suffocations, and electrocutions.

Elevator Injuries

Workers in organizations with less than 10 employees comprised almost 34 percent of fatalities. Additionally, over 35.2 percent of fatalities happened to workers who were younger than 35 years old. These statistics could suggest a lack of training for younger workers or for workers of smaller companies.

In terms of elevator injuries, the report found that the highest number of injuries occurred as a result of being caught in or compressed by an object or piece of equipment. Forty-six percent of construction workers who experienced non-fatal injuries have an average of 31 missed workdays. Of the construction workers who were not fatally injured in accidents between 2011 to 2016, most of them were electricians and installation, maintenance, and repair personnel.

Nationwide, hospital treatment of elevator-related injuries has increased by 30 percent between 2007 and 2016. This suggests that elevator safety in general is declining. Employers should issue proper protective equipment to their employees and implement regular safety training seminars to ensure all employees are aware of what to do in an emergency.

Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Injured Workers

If you were injured in a work-related accident, the Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyers at DiTomaso Law can evaluate your claims. We will help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Mt. Holly and Camden County. Call us today at 856-414-0010 or contact us online for a free consultation.