ROAD WORK SITE CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS REMAIN AT RELATIVELY LOW LEVELS OVER PAST DECADE, ACCORDING TO NIOSH
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), while overall workplace fatalities have declined in the past decade, deaths at road construction sites have remained fairly steady, with only some minor year-to-year fluctuation. On average, the number of deaths to workers at road construction sites have accounted for approximately 1.5% to 2.0% of all workplace fatalities annually, according to a leading mobile construction accident attorney. However, few work environments present the multitude of risks as do road construction sites, with vehicles passing workers at high speeds and work and weather conditions constantly changing.
NIOSH defines a road construction site as any road, street or highway where construction, maintenance and utility work is being done. The Federal Highway Administration gives this definition: “A roadway work zone is an area of a highway that is typically marked by signs, traffic channeling devices, barriers, pavement markings and/or work vehicles. Further, the area extends from the first warning sign (rotating, flashing, oscillating, strobe light) to the END ROAD WORK or the last temporary traffic control device.
In 2010, the last year for which complete data is available, 1,079 people were killed at a road construction site: 844 workers, plus an additional 235 people who were passing through a site for non-work-related reasons.
A number of safety measures for workers exist at road construction sites. For example, the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices provides guidance ranging from the types of signage to use and the proper use of rumble strips. The FHA also offers safety tips to motorists when traveling through road construction sites.
According to NIOSH, while highway traffic is a concern for workers at road construction sites, workers are more likely to be struck and killed by construction vehicles and equipment than by private automobiles.
If you have been injured at a road construction site, the only recourse for you, or a family member, to get the compensation you deserve, is to hire a top New York construction accident attorney to pursue a construction accident law suit. We strongly suggest you contact the New York construction accident law firm of Raphaelson & Levine for a free consultation. By calling the telephone number listed above; or by filling out the “Legal Assistance” form on our website, you can speak with one of our experienced New York construction accident lawyers immediately
.
