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Construction sites in the greater Atlanta metro area are bustling hubs of activity, but they also carry significant risks. Construction site accidents and construction site injuries are unfortunately common, often resulting in severe harm or even fatalities.
According to OSHA, the leading causes—known as the “Fatal Four”—account for over 60% of construction worker deaths nationwide. Recognizing these hazards is the first step toward prevention and ensuring safer job sites under construction law in Georgia.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four primary hazards responsible for the majority of construction fatalities:
Falls remain the number one cause of death in construction, accounting for about 37% of fatalities. Workers on roofs, scaffolds, ladders, or elevated platforms face heightened risks. Common triggers include unstable surfaces, lack of guardrails, or improper use of fall protection equipment.
These accidents occur when workers are hit by falling, flying, swinging, or rolling objects, such as tools, materials, or vehicles. Heavy equipment like cranes and trucks contributes to many struck-by deaths, emphasizing the need for clear zones and proper securing of loads.
Contact with overhead power lines, exposed wiring, or faulty equipment leads to deadly shocks. Electrocutions make up a significant portion of the Fatal Four, often preventable with proper grounding, insulation, and de-energizing procedures.
Workers can be crushed or pinned between machinery, collapsing trenches, or shifting materials. Trench collapses and unguarded equipment are frequent culprits, highlighting the importance of shoring and machine guarding.
Beyond the Fatal Four, additional hazards contribute to non-fatal but debilitating construction site injuries:
In Georgia, rapid growth in construction amplifies these risks, with falls and equipment-related incidents frequently reported.
Under construction law in Georgia, employers must comply with OSHA standards, provide training, and maintain safe conditions. Workers’ compensation covers most injuries, but third-party negligence (e.g., subcontractors or equipment manufacturers) may allow additional claims.
Construction site accidents often stem from preventable causes like falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between hazards. In the greater Atlanta metro area, where projects are booming, prioritizing safety is essential to reduce construction site injuries and comply with construction law in Georgia.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, don’t navigate recovery alone. The experienced team at Burmeister Law Firm understands these complex cases and fights for maximum compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re committed to protecting Georgia’s hardworking construction professionals.
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