Construction and the OSHA of 1970

Workers in the construction industry can face incredibly dangerous situations each day. Hazards in the construction industry can include: falls from high elevations; machinery malfunction; collisions from moving equipment; toxic chemical exposure; electrocution; slippery surfaces; heavy lifting, and repetitive straining motion.

Sadly, such accidents occur frequently. Many result in long-term disability or even fatality. Each year in the United States, five percent of all construction workers are injured on the job, while there are around 1,200 fatalities of full-time construction workers.

Searching for a Solution

Before the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the federal government did little to ensure the safety and health of workers, even as heavy industry and mass production increased. The Act was finally passed as a way to hold employers responsible for the safety of their employees. It requires all covered employers to:

• Reasonably maintain workplace conditions and practices so that workers are protected from any foreseeable danger
• Make sure that employees have access to safety equipment, and force employees to wear or use this equipment when required for health and safety reasons
• Maintain familiarity and compliance with safety standards that apply to their particular industry or establishment

The passage of the act also created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), part of the Department of Labor. Construction companies and contractors are legally obligated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide sufficient training and abide by safety measures to ensure the health and well-being of all workers.

Contact a Charleston Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you work in the construction industry, your safety and health should never be compromised by a negligent employer. If you or a loved one has been involved in a workplace construction accident, the Charleston workers' compensation lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Contact our offices today at 843-720-2800.