Florida Dangerous Place for Construction Workers

Eddie Farah

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 415

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It's a dubious distinction. Florida hit the highest number of job-related accidents, mainly around construction sites in 2004. 422 died on the workplace, according to the state. That's more than one a day. You can thank our multi-billion dollar building industry. The numbers were down but not much better in 2005 -- 404 -- still the second highest fatality count.

White and hispanic males top the list of victims killed in highway crashes, falls or being hit by heavy equipment or vehicles.

Most frequent types of fatal workplace events in Florida in 2005:

1. Transportation incidents (186)*
2. Falls (72)
3. Exposure to harmful substances (50)
4. Assaults and violent acts (47)
5. Contact with objects and equipment (39)
6. Fires and explosions (8)
* Includes highway, non-highway, air, water and rail fatalities.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor

The latest incident came when a worker fell 100 feet to his death because a Bradenton plastering company failed to install guard rails. It was fined more than $65,000.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is supposed to police work sites to make sure they are in compliance with the Safety and Health Act of 1970. Unfortunately OSHA only has 48 inspectors for the entire state.