Tennessee One of the Most Dangerous States for Construction

Tennessee is known for its beautiful landscapes, country music scene, and delicious food. Unfortunately, it’s also known for fatal construction accidents.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigates numerous construction fatalities in the state every year. Falls from roofs, heat stroke, and trench collapses are just some of the most common accidents.

Due to the number of these accidents, Tennessee ranks among the most dangerous states for construction workers based on job site injuries and fatalities.

In 2022, the Tennessee private construction industry sector had the highest number of fatalities of any occupation with 43. This is more than double the number from the previous year (21). There were 173 workplace fatalities in total throughout the state.

From 2017 to 2024, Tennessee was ranked third in the nation with 129 fatalities per 100,000 workers. The state was behind South Dakota and Delaware. Tennessee also had the seventh-highest number of OSHA construction citations between January 2017 and January 2024.

In Nashville, work-related deaths on Metro-owned construction sites have prompted new legislation. Lawmakers are looking to add an additional layer of oversight to city-controlled projects. Construction unions and local politicians are supporting this initiative.

Proper safety at construction sites starts with a strong workplace culture as well as consistent training and constant reminders. The most common safety violations include a lack of eye and face protection and lack of fall protection training. These violations are especially common on residential projects.

Heat in the summer months is another safety challenge that Tennessee construction workers face. High temperatures can lead to cramps, dehydration, and heat stroke.

OSHA conducts about 30 to 50 workplace death investigations in Tennessee each year. Compliance officers are also busy visiting construction sites and conducting random inspections. However, they are not able to visit every single construction site in the state.

To handle this issue, Metro Council has introduced legislation to create an additional layer of oversight at city-controlled construction sites. The bill would  establish a board to monitor and inspect Metro’s construction projects to ensure safe working conditions. The board would then refer inspection findings to state or federal regulators.

One construction company is leading the way in safety. Skanska USA has worked on construction projects in  Chattanooga, Franklin, and Clarksville. The company believes consistent standards for workplace safety start with good planning and communication.

All trade partners on Skanska construction sites must undergo safety training before starting work. The company also uses Planit, a digital platform that identifies potential hazards and outlines a safety plan.

Contact Us Today

Construction sites are common places for workplace injuries. Many construction workers are injured or killed while performing tasks.

Tennessee is a common place for construction accidents. Get the help you need from a Mt. Juliet construction accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC. We will fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (615) 622-6060.

Source:

tennessean.com/story/money/industries/2024/06/03/construction-worker-unions-osha-work-address-high-fatality-construction/73737421007/