Construction accidents resulting in serious injury and fatalities are common. While the number of construction fatalities has fallen in each of the last four years, much of this decrease may be linked to the recession and the substantially diminished volume of construction projects. There were 780 construction site fatalities in 2010 according to United States Department of Labor statistics. Additionally, workers in the construction industry experienced a four percent accident rate.
However, these numbers are extremely conservative because many injuries that occur with undocumented workers on small construction project go unreported. It has been estimated that as many as 42,000 days off work per year are caused by construction accidents that are unreported. The bottom line is that construction accidents are common and confined space accidents are one of the most serious types of construction accidents.
While construction projects are extensively regulated by OSHA and other federal and state agencies, construction accidents related to negligent maintenance and unsafe conditions on construction projects are common. Our knowledgeable and experienced legal team works closely with construction industry experts to carefully investigate confined space accidents and identify the best possible approach to maximizing compensation for our clients.
Those on construction sites that must enter confined spaces may face a wide range of dangers from physical agents and atmospheric factors. Confined space accidents are typically caused by either inherent or induced hazards. An inherent factor involves mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal or similar factors present on a construction site and their interactions. Inherent hazards are particularly insidious because they generally cannot be completely eliminated from a construction site but must be prevented with appropriate hazard control measures. Common examples of inherent hazards include:
- High voltage causing electrocution
- High pressure lines that rupture and release toxic or explosive liquids or gases
- Radiation exposure caused by machinery
- Burns or other serious injuries caused by extreme temperatures
An induced confined space construction accident involves accidents that are caused by unsafe practices on a construction project. These confined space accidents may be the result of the failure to implement appropriate safety equipment. Common examples include lack of structural support, negligently created flammable environments or lack of oxygen at the bottom of a shaft. These are hazards that proper decision-making and safe construction site safety practices can prevent.
Our Mississippi confined space construction accident lawyers have represented many clients injured in both inherent and induced confined space accidents. We work closely with construction industry experts to develop the most understandable and persuasive claim for compensation to present to a judge or jury. Our highly qualified team of Mississippi confined space accident lawyers and industry experts may provide representation for a wide range of confined space hazards including:
- Explosive gases and fumes
- Condenser pits
- Purging agents
- Transformers
- Vaults
- Pipeline assemblies
- Liquid sumps
- Electrical shock accidents
- Low oxygen environments
- Storage tanks
- Falling materials
Anyone who works in the construction trades knows that this is far from an exhaustive list of the types of confined space accident hazards on a typical construction site. These types of construction site injuries often result in catastrophic life-altering injuries and wrongful death. At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.