Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers: Farming, Construction Among List of Most Dangerous Jobs

When most Americans go to work each day, the possibility of losing life or limb in an accident is the last thing on their minds. But for some, the risk is just another part of the job. This is especially true for those working in the construction and farming industries. Philadelphia construction accident lawyers report that both industries saw an alarming increase in fatal work injuries in 2014 over the previous year, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Construction’s Fatal Four

A total of 4,821 workers lost their lives from work-related injuries in 2014, equating to a rate of 3.4 per every 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. Construction and extraction worker fatalities happened at a rate of 11.8 per 100,000 FTE workers for a total of 899 fatalities– the highest total since 2008. More than 60 percent of those fatalities were caused by what is commonly referred to as construction’s “fatal four.” These include falls (39.9 percent), electrocutions (8.2 percent), being struck by an object (8.1 percent), and being caught in or between objects, equipment or material (4.3 percent).

Farming Fatalities and Injuries

The agriculture industry is consistently one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. In 2014, U.S. statistics rose 14 percent over the previous year to 568 fatal injuries. Moreover, people working in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting recorded the highest fatal injury rate of any industry sector at 24.9 per 100,000.

Farming injuries range from cuts and scrapes to those that cause total disability or fatal injury. The most traumatic injuries are those that involve machinery. Overturned tractors are most common cause of farm worker fatalities. There is hope that fewer accidents will occur each year as more tractors become equipped with Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS). Other hazards farmers face include exposure to pesticides and other toxins, loud noises, and occupational stress.

How Workers Can Protect Themselves

Farmers and construction workers understand the dangers they face everyday when they go to work, but that does not mean that they always take proper precautions. Workers in both industries deal with time and budget pressures that can motivate them to cut corners in some situations. Specifically, improper use of safety equipment is most common cause of preventable injuries according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Employers can do their part to reduce injuries by setting clear standards for safety and taking action when workers fail to follow the rules.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Those Injured in Farming and Construction Accidents

If you have been injured, or suffered the loss of a loved one in a work-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law have helped countless injured victims and their families recover the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, and more. Call our Philadelphia offices today at 215-426-4493 or our Cherry Hill, New Jersey offices at 856-414-0010 to arrange a free review of your case with one of our seasoned construction accident lawyers. You can also contact us online.