Austin Injury Lawyer Brooks Schuelke Reminds Businesses, Workers of the Risks of Construction Injuries

An Austin construction accident recently sent a worker to the hospital after the worker fell 30 feet from scaffolding, according to a CBS Austin news report.

The worker was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to CBS Austin. 

Falls are one of the most common causes of death and serious injury in the construction industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2022, over 38 percent of construction worker deaths occurred in trip, slip, or fall accidents. 47 percent of all fatal falls, trips, and slips at work in the US happened on construction sites. 

Falls during construction work can also cause serious injuries. Construction workers were far more likely than the average worker to need at least one day off work to recover from a severe injury after a workplace fall. Falls to a lower level, such as a fall off scaffolding, were far more likely to require a worker to need time away from work for injuries. 

Failure to provide or use adequate fall protection was the number-one most cited safety standard on US job sites in 2022, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Issues with improper scaffolding safety were the fifth most commonly cited safety violation; lack of fall protection training was eighth on the list. 

Workers injured in construction site falls may face restrictions even after they return to work. Their injuries might require them to take on limited hours or light-duty jobs. These roles can come with a decrease in pay, making it tougher for workers and their families to get by. 

Workers’ compensation covers certain costs associated with on-the-job injuries and illnesses. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help you get coverage for medical bills. In some cases, workers’ compensation also contributes toward wage replacement. Since fighting for these benefits can be challenging, working with an experienced attorney is wise. 

In addition to workers compensation claims, workers who are injured on the job as a result of the negligence of others may also be able to sue the people responsible for the injuries.

“As OSHA frequently notes, falls are preventable,” says experienced Austin workplace injury lawyer Brooks Schuelke. “That means fall injuries can be prevented as well. When negligence causes a fall, workers and their families pay the price.”