A study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that construction accidents account for more accidents than any other industry, with roughly 20 percent of all on-the-job fatalities occurring at construction sites.
A large majority of injuries and fatalities that occur in the construction industry are caused by falls. Take, for instance, the case of a Newport News, Virginia, construction worker who died yesterday afternoon as the result of a fall at a construction site. According to WDBJ 7 News, the accident happened just before 3:00 p.m. at the Belmont at City Center, along Canon Boulevard.
Reports indicate that the worker was part of a crew erecting apartment buildings at the site when he lost his footing and fell roughly four stories before hitting the ground head-first, killing him instantly.
Investigators with both the Newport News Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration say that they are continuing to look into what may have caused the man to fall.
The Richmond personal injury lawyers with Geoff McDonald and Associates say that employers have a responsibility to supply employees with a safe work environment. Failure to do so could be considered negligence on the part of the employer if an accident does occur.
This is why the firm would suggest contacting an experienced Richmond workers compensation lawyer if you have been injured in an accident while working.