Lexis Nexis
Gary W. Starnes Attorney at Law
736 Georgia Avenue
Suite 404 Dome Bldg.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone (800)281-2403
Fax (423) 266-7193
Email: gstarnes@volstate.net
Work Injury Attorney
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Construction Accidents
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Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for employees. Where they operate in a public space, as in the construction industry, they also have a duty to protect the public from harm caused by their operations.
Regulations
Because the construction industry involves so many potentially dangerous situations with a high probability of an accident that can result in a personal injury claim, a number of state and federal regulations governing the industry have been developed.
These laws, issued by the Department of Labor (DOL), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Workmans’ Compensation Laws and other agencies govern hiring and training competent workers, proper supervision of all workers at construction sites, enforcement of ALL safety measures, policies and procedures that standardize and make known the company’s approved ways of doing the work, and the proper inspection and maintenance of all equipment used in each construction project.
Employees may be required to hold special licenses, such as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), electricians’ or plumbers’ licenses, or certification for handling certain items, such as chemicals or explosives. Employees not only must know how to handle the equipment and building supplies safely, they need to know how to demolish or renovate safely.
If an employer fails to ensure compliance in any of these areas, they may be held liable when faced with a claim.
Potential for Injury
The laws are not limited to the list above, as there are also supplies, sub-contracted workers (in contrast to those employed by the construction company,) and many other factors to consider. Some of these factors are beyond the employer’s control, such as liability attributable to the manufacturers of the equipment being used. Equipment failures due to defects may not be discernable, thus not preventable, until the equipment fails. Product liability for such failures could involve companies other than the construction firm.
Should any employee fail to follow company procedures, or to perform negligently in any situation that results in an injury to anyone, the employer can be held liable for injuries, death and losses sustained by victims.
Many older buildings were built using asbestos products extensively throughout the construction. Asbestos is considered a toxic substance, one of many that can become a contaminant in the construction industry. Workers must remove these contaminants safely without exposing themselves or the public to their dangers.
If you were injured due to a construction accident you should seek counsel from an experienced work injury attorney to find out if you are eligible for compensation. Please contact work injury lawyer, Gary Starnes, Attorney at Law, Chattanooga, Tennessee for a free consultation concerning your Tennessee or Georgia on the joby injury or construction accident. Or Call 1-800-281-2403 and schedule an appointment.