OSHA Inspections

If you believe a hazard exists and is not being corrected, you should contact your OSHA state or area office and file a written complaint. If OSHA decides that a violation or hazard exists, they will conduct an inspection. A representative of the employees has the right to accompany the OSHA officer during this inspection. This representative must be chosen by the union if one exists, or by the employees. The employer is absolutely not allowed to choose the employee representative. The inspector may conduct a full inspection of the workplace, or merely the area where the hazard or violation may exist. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will informally communicate any findings or recommendations to the employer and employee representative.

If you believe that your employer is violating OSHA requirements or that your injury or illness resulted from an OSHA violation, you should contact an attorney with experience in construction injury and OSHA violation cases. Your lawyer will inform you of your legal rights and assist you in finding whether your employer or other parties bear legal responsibility for your illness or injury.

Pursuing A Claim For Construction Accident Injury

If you have been injured or have suffered an illness as a result of an accident at a construction site, you should take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

• Report the injury to your employer and/or the site manager. Note the name and position of the person you notified. If possible, report the injury in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
• Whenever possible, try to preserve any evidence related to your injury. Take photographs of your injuries and the location at the construction site where you were injured. If your accident involved a tool, equipment, or other object, try to keep it or set it aside.
• Get medical attention for your injuries.

An important next step is to locate an attorney who can consult with you and help you to evaluate your potential claim.

DISCLAIMER: The information you obtain at our firm web site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is recommended that you should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.