Common Jobsite Accidents in New Jersey

For many Americans, the daily drive to work does not include thoughts about whether or not they will incur a serious personal injury on the job that day. For those of us that work behind the safety of cubicle walls and a computer screen, the risk of personal injury may be low enough that the thought never enters our minds.

However, as many experienced personal injury attorneys can attest, for those in the construction and trades fields the risk of injury on the job is much higher. No matter what field of work one is in, there is a certain level of risk involved, but it is also incumbent for employers to ensure a standard of care is taken to mitigate the risk of personal injury, and to intervene when risky situations arise. Failure to do so can be considered employer negligence and may be subject to litigation.

At the federal level, organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have been created to ensure uniformity in safety standards and intervention procedures.  New Jersey, like many states, further defines rules and regulations regarding job site safety at the state level.

Every occupational safety board, regardless of what level they operate, maintains records of the most common job site injuries. For workers in New Jersey, it is important to be aware of common situations where danger can strike, in hopes that examples of employer negligence can be properly spotted and reported. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide information for New Jersey residents on common job site injuries.

Vehicle Crashes

If you incur a personal injury from a traffic accident involving a company vehicle, you may be able to pursue litigation if it can be shown that the employee (i.e. the other driver) and/or the employer were acting in a negligent manner that led to the accident. Examples of negligent behavior in these situations include the proper training of all employed drivers, the routine maintenance of company vehicles, and appropriate drug testing of any employee drivers who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Slips and Falls 

Slips and falls can also include falls from heights. Examples of dangerous jobs where slips and falls are common include roofing and hazardous materials environments. If safety gear is not properly maintained and distributed to staff, and/or if staff are not properly trained in the use of this equipment, then this can be considered employer negligence. Another example of negligent behavior would be failing to promptly address a spill or leak on a job site.

Punctures and Lacerations

Many trades and construction jobs require the frequent use of sharp tools in a highly active and noisy environment. Employers at these sites need to ensure workers are properly trained in the use of these tools, and that procedures for maximizing safety on the job site are frequently reviewed and practiced.

When to Contact an Attorney

If you believe an employer’s negligence contributed to your personal injury, you should consider contacting a trusted personal injury attorney right away. For decades, the attorneys at Ferrara & Gable have been helping workers fight for their rights to compensation following these types of accidents. Contact Ferrara & Gable today to review your case and discuss your rights.