The most dangerous job in the US is construction. Latest statistics show 986 fatal work injuries reported, according to 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) data.
Construction Deaths in South Carolina
In 2021 alone, there were 21 fatalities in the construction sector in South Carolina; 18 of those deaths were of specialty trade contractors. Specialty trade contractors are workers who do “painting (including bridge painting and traffic lane painting), electrical work (including work on bridges, power lines, and power plants), carpentry work, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, roofing, and sheet metal work” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). These workers often use dangerous equipment like welding tools, saws, and powerlines. They can also work in dangerous locations and at great heights, like power lines, roofs, and bridges. These factors combine to make construction one of the most dangerous occupations in South Carolina.
On April 14, 2023, there was a construction death in Lexington County. Ramon Ortiz-Medina was a 24-year-old who was working on a crew that was paving Interstate 26. The crew was working at night. At 11:15 pm, Ortiz-Medina was involved in a heavy machinery accident. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy has been scheduled through the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) (The State).
Increase in Work-Related Fatalities
Nationwide, there has been an increase in fatal work-related accidents. This trend holds true in South Carolina as well.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), there were 107 work-related deaths in South Carolina in 2021. This was an increase from the 102 deaths reported the previous year (BLS). Of these deaths, the majority were within the age range of 35-44. A staggering 90% of these deaths were men, with 96 men killed compared to 11 women. This was also an increase from 2020 when only 91 men were killed. The majority of these deaths were folks who work for wages and salary with a much smaller percentage of deaths being people who were self-employed (BLS).
Other Construction Dangers
In addition to work-related injuries, there are also other ways that construction can be dangerous.
Most fatal occupational injuries in South Carolina are caused by transportation incidents (about 46 deaths), followed by violence and other injuries by persons or animals (about 16 deaths), falls, slips, and trips (about 15 deaths), and exposure to harmful substances (about 12 deaths) (BLS).
One such harmful substance is asbestos, which can cause several problems to those who are exposed to it. Asbestos used to be a common fixture in homes. When construction workers are tasked with remodeling older houses, they can be exposed to asbestos without knowing it. Usually, the problems caused by asbestos exposure may go undetected for years or even decades. These conditions include lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma, so this condition is fatal and usually acts quickly once symptoms begin to show (Jobs With High Cancer Risks).
While every job comes with its own set of risks, it is important to know what you could have to deal with while working and how to protect yourself. Knowledge is power!
David L. Hood: South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer -Advocating for You if You Get Hurt on the Job
Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood to learn more about your rights if you get hurt on the job, and to receive the care and attention your workers’ compensation case deserves. Your South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer and co-counsel have years of experience representing injured workers. We handle all cases on a contingent fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case or negotiate a successful settlement.* Call our offices at (843) 491-6025 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with us today.
*Clients are not liable for any expenses, unless there is a recovery in their case; however, if there is a recovery in their case, clients will be liable for expenses. Attorney’s fees are based on a percentage of the recovery, which will be computed before deducting expenses.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
