Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers: Making Accident Data Public

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) announced a new rule effective August 2016 that requires employers to submit comprehensive accident statistics electronically, thus making them more accessible to the public. OSHA’s goal with this rule is that by making accident data more transparent, companies will be encouraged to provide safer work environments.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than three million workers experience an injury or illness at work every year. With this new rule, OSHA will now require businesses in high hazard industries like construction to provide detailed illness and injury data. Construction companies with 20 or more employees will be required to conduct electronic accident data reporting.

Current and prospective construction workers will have access to this data, allowing them to recognize the companies which operate the safest construction sites. The data will also assist OSHA in assessing what kind construction accidents are most common and where more safety education and training is needed to further prevent them.

In 2014, one in five fatal accidents in the private industry was a construction accident. OSHA reports that the top fatal four construction accidents involve workers being struck by objects, being caught between objects, electrocutions, and falls. OSHA hopes to reduce workplace fatalities across all industries with this new data reporting initiative.

High construction site injury and illness rates can also equate to poor management. Construction industry employers are required to provide safe equipment and conditions for work, as well as protective gear and proper training. When these are not provided and an accident occurs, the employer may be held accountable. Contractors, property site owners, engineers, equipment manufacturers can also be held liable for construction site accidents.

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

The loss of income and medical bills brought on by construction accident injuries can have devastating financial and emotional consequences. When a contractor could have prevented your accident by providing a safe work environment, you deserve compensation. Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law have advocated for numerous victims in Camden County and throughout South Jersey as well as Philadelphia and all of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Call our Cherry Hill offices at 856-414-0010 or our Center City office at 215-426-4493 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online to discuss your case.