Henderson, Nevada has experienced rapid growth and development over the past few decades. Major construction projects continue to reshape the city as it expands. However, the fast-paced construction boom has also led to concerning workplace safety issues, with 1,015 workplace fatalities in 2021, and 13 of them in Nevada.
Construction consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous industries, and Henderson construction workers face serious risks on the job. More must be done to protect the rights and wellbeing of these workers.
The Latest Henderson Construction Projects
Mosaic 220-Acre Development
An upcoming $800 million development by Mosaic Companies southeast of the I-15 and St. Rose Parkway promises something for everyone. The 220-acre project includes 740 single-family homes and townhouses, 900 apartment units, 1.65 million square feet of industrial space, two shopping centers, a tavern, and a gas station. National homebuilders are already on board for the residential component, which will also feature affordable housing. Mosaic aims to take a phased approach to the community.
Sudberry Properties 100+ Acre Urban Village
Near St. Rose Parkway’s west end, Sudberry Properties is coordinating a 103-acre urban village. Approximately 2,900 residences, 250 hotel rooms, and 670,000 square feet of office space intend to unify work and life. The mixed-use project aspires to function as a city within a city, complete with its own energy and culture.
Luxury Ascaya Development
In the exclusive Ascaya community, developer Blue Heron recently started work on 51 multimillion-dollar stacked flat homes. Ascaya’s Canyon project will contain luxury residences with two separate units in each elegantly stacked structure. Perched on the valley’s edge, Ascaya is a haven where upscale desert homes blossom.
The Watermark
Strada Development Group’s The Watermark promises to invigorate downtown Henderson. The approximately $50 million, seven-story development will include retail, offices, and 151 apartments with skyline views. Set to debut in 2025, The Watermark weaves together spaces where deals can be negotiated over coffee.
The Dangers of Construction Work
Working in construction is inherently hazardous. Sites are filled with potential dangers – from unguarded machinery, to falls from heights, to electrocution and more. The nature of the work also often involves strenuous labor in extreme temperatures. Construction workers in Henderson risk:
- Falls – One of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities. Workers can fall from rooftops, scaffolding, ladders, and other elevated spaces.
- Struck-By Incidents – Workers can be hit by moving vehicles and equipment on busy worksites. They also face risks from falling objects.
- Electrocution – Possible from exposed wires or other live electrical sources. Electrocution deaths are disproportionately high in construction.
- Trench Collapses – Workers installing underground utilities like pipes, cables, and sewers face being buried alive if trenches lack adequate shoring.
- Heat Illnesses – Summertime heat coupled with physical exertion can cause heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke.
With so many hazards, injuries and deaths still occur too frequently on Henderson construction sites. Stronger safety measures and enforcement are clearly needed. Back in 2022, five workers ended up in hospital after an industrial accident on a construction site in Henderson. That same year, a worker sustained serious injuries while working on a building near the Raiders Training Facility in Henderson, which further illustrates how dangerous construction work can be.
Billions are being invested into Henderson’s future growth. But labor leaders have raised concerns over construction worker safety with the accelerated pace of work. Rushed timelines and pressure to stay on schedule can sometimes take priority over full safety precautions.
Some worry economic growth is coming at the cost of workers’ wellbeing. More oversight and accountability for developers and contractors is necessary to ensure workplace safety is not compromised. Henderson construction deaths and injuries have risen in recent years, indicating a need for reform.
Protecting Construction Workers’ Legal Rights
Workers injured on the job have certain legal rights and protections. These include:
- Workers Compensation – Pays for medical treatment and replaces lost wages if an injury occurred on the job. Workers must report injuries promptly and should document unsafe conditions.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits – Workers can sue third-parties like subcontractors for negligence if their actions caused an accident. Experienced personal injury attorneys from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys can help maximize injury claim value.
- Safety Whistleblower Laws – Protect workers from retaliation for reporting violations or hazards to OSHA.
- Union Advocacy – Many Henderson construction workers belong to trade unions who can assist with legal action and work to improve safety standards.
Despite these protections, immigrant workers and non-union laborers are most vulnerable to safety lapses. Language barriers, lack of training, and fear of retaliation prevent some workers from exercising their rights. More community outreach and strong enforcement from Nevada OSHA is critical.
Improving Construction Safety in Henderson
While the risks can never be fully eliminated, Henderson must take proactive steps to better protect local construction workers on the job, such as:
- Increased OSHA Inspections – Extra scrutiny of local worksites to check compliance with fall protection, trenching, electrical, and other safety standards. Fines for violations should be substantial enough to motivate change.
- Safety Training Mandates – Require all workers receive up-to-date hazard training, safety equipment, and training in their language. Create more apprenticeship programs.
- Independent Safety Monitors – Hire third-party safety consultants to perform inspections and flag issues – not just relying on contractor self-monitoring.
- Collaboration with Unions – Partner with organized labor and community groups to promote safety programs and ensure all worker voices are heard.
- Slow Unsafe Work – Give workers power to stop work they deem hazardous without retaliation until addressed.
- Safety Incentives – Offer tax breaks, speedy permitting, and other incentives for contractors who meet strict safety records and training requirements.
Henderson owes its success to the laborers who build it each day. As the city continues rapidly expanding, it must also ensure protections keep pace. With smart prevention policies and vigorous enforcement, construction work can be safer as Henderson develops into the future.
Call a construction accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys if you’ve suffered an injury on a construction site in Henderson. Call our team today at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946).
