Phoenix OSHA Violation Attorneys
Attorney Representation in Phoenix, Arizona Since 1996
OSHA Violations at Construction Sites
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries across the world. It follows then that the industry consistently has the highest number of fatalities and injuries of any industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you've suffered injuries at an Arizona construction site, our Phoenix construction accident attorneys can help you explore the legal options for compensation that are available to you under the law.
Surprisingly, the federal government did not have any safety standards in place to protect workers until 1970. Congress passed the Occupational and Safety Health Act (OSHA) to ensure workplace safety. The Act dictates that employers provide a workplace free from hazards to safety and health, especially in construction. OSHA is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor that oversees the administration of the Act and enforces standards in all 50 states.
Arizona, along with 24 other states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, has an OSHA-approved plan. The states generally adopt the same standards as its federal counterpart, although some standards or enforcement policies may differ slightly. Final approval for Arizona's state plan came on June 20, 1985. The Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) administers the State Plan, and within the ICA, Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) polices enforcement and voluntary compliance. The ADOSH headquarters are in Phoenix with additional offices in Tucson.
When employers or associated companies violate federal and/or state safety regulations, they risk issuance of citations and penalties that can be quite high. The top ten most frequently cited categories and industries in 2010 follow. Each one is applicable to the construction industry.
- Scaffolding, general requirements, construction
- Fall protection, construction
- Hazard communication standard, general industry
- Ladders, construction
- Respiratory protection, general industry
- Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry
- Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment, general industry
- Powered industrial trucks, general industry
- Electrical systems design, general requirements, general industry
- Machines, general requirements, general industry
Sorting out all the issues of liability, safety compliance and responsible parties in a construction accident requires considerable knowledge, experience and resources. Workers' compensation benefits defray the medical expenses and loss of income, but in a catastrophic event, those benefits are rarely sufficient. A Phoenix personal injury lawsuit is an option if the negligence of a third party contributed to the injury. Responsible third parties include property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, construction managers and suppliers of material and equipment. Third party liability claims allow you to pursue compensation for damages not covered under workers' compensation laws.
The Breyer Law Offices is one of the few firms in the Phoenix area uniquely qualified for representation in a construction accident. We have a proven record of success and a considerable network of resources. You can contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our legal team of Arizona OSHA violations lawyers is standing by to offer you our professional services with a personal touch.
