NEW CASTLE, PA - Construction workers across Pennsylvania face life-threatening hazards daily, with falls, struck-by accidents, electrocutions, and caught-between incidents accounting for nearly two-thirds of all construction deaths nationwide. Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney Lawrence M. Kelly of Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C. (https://www.lgkg.com/construction-site-hazards-pennsylvania/) outlines the most dangerous hazards on construction sites and the legal protections available to injured workers.
According to Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney Lawrence Kelly, a Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist and Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2006, these four hazard types are known as OSHA's "Fatal Four." In 2023 alone, these hazards killed 688 workers, representing 64% of all construction deaths.
Falls from heights remain the leading cause of construction fatalities. "Falls are the number one killer on construction sites," Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney Lawrence Kelly explains. "In 2023, falls killed 421 construction workers nationwide, with most fatal falls occurring from heights between 6 and 30 feet." Under OSHA's construction safety standards, employers must provide fall protection for workers at heights of 6 feet or higher through guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.
Struck-by accidents represent the second leading cause of construction site fatalities. These incidents typically involve falling tools or materials, swinging loads during crane operations, or moving equipment backing into blind spots. Pennsylvania law requires workers to wear ANSI-approved hard hats and high-visibility vests to reduce these risks.
Workers' compensation attorney Joseph A. George, who practices alongside Kelly at the firm, notes that electrocution hazards pose significant risks throughout Western Pennsylvania. "Even relatively small amounts of electricity can be deadly," George observes. "As little as 50 volts can stop the heart instantly when workers contact overhead power lines or faulty wiring."
Pennsylvania law requires strict lockout/tagout procedures before electrical work commences. Circuits must be fully de-energized and tested before maintenance or repairs begin. Ground-fault circuit interrupters must protect every temporary power outlet on construction sites to prevent fatal shocks.
Caught-between and crush injuries occur when workers become trapped between two objects, caught in moving machinery, or buried during trench collapses. OSHA regulations require cave-in protection for any trench deeper than 5 feet through trench boxes, sloping, or shoring systems.
"These accidents are often entirely preventable with proper planning and safety enforcement," Kelly emphasizes. The firm represents injured workers throughout Western Pennsylvania, including those injured on projects like the Stonecrest Business Park development in New Beaver Borough and the Berner International expansion in Shenango Township.
Workers injured on construction sites may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits covering medical treatment, wage replacement, and ongoing care. "Under Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act, you don't need to prove your employer was negligent," Kelly notes. "Workers' compensation is a no-fault system."
Injured workers must report injuries to supervisors within 120 days to remain eligible for benefits. Employers must provide claim forms within seven days of notification. Additionally, workers may be eligible to file third-party personal injury claims against property owners, equipment manufacturers, or subcontractors whose negligence contributed to injuries.
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation oversees all claims statewide. Emergency room doctors at facilities like UPMC Jameson in New Castle treat dozens of fall injuries and other construction-related trauma each year.
For those injured on construction sites, prompt legal consultation can protect critical rights and ensure proper compensation. Lawrence County workers facing these circumstances are advised to document accidents thoroughly, preserve all medical records, and seek experienced legal guidance.
About Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C.:
Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C. is a New Castle-based law firm dedicated to representing injured workers throughout Western Pennsylvania. Led by attorneys Lawrence M. Kelly and Joseph A. George, the firm focuses on workers' compensation claims and construction accident litigation. For consultations, call (724) 658-8535.
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Email: lmkelly@lgkg.com
Website: https://www.lgkg.com/
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Company Name: Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.
Contact Person: Lauren Kelly Gielarowski
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Phone: (724) 658-8535
Address:315 N Mercer St
City: New Castle
State: Pennsylvania 16101
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lgkg.com/