Although the risks of construction work may seem apparent — after all, big equipment, scaffolding and heavy building materials may be involved — there continue to be an unacceptable number of construction injuries each year.<\/p>\n
A recent example involves an Oklahoma home building company. A spokesperson for the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed that the agency is investigating the accident. The spokesperson also identified the company at issue as Champion Homes, a home building company with a 20-year history in Oklahoma. <\/p>\n
According to reports, two workers were in the platform area of a forklift when the machinery toppled over. The workers were apparently trying to raise some building materials to a third worker on the rooftop. The accident injured all three workers. Although all three were transported to a local hospital, only the rooftop worker survived. The two workers who had been on the forklift platform did not survive their injuries.<\/p>\n
By law, OSHA may take up to six months to complete its investigation. If the inspectors find a violation of safety standards, the home building company may be facing monetary penalties.<\/p>\n
An attorney that focuses on workers’ compensation knows that workplace safety<\/a> requires a proactive attitude. OSHA regulations may provide safety guidelines for particular industries, but each workplace may present its own particular hazards. If a worker has safety concerns but is afraid to voice them, a consultation with an attorney might be a safe and anonymous place to start. An attorney can advise a worker of his or her rights under existing workers’ compensation laws.<\/p>\n