Over the past decade, the city of Irvine, California has experienced rapid growth and development. Major construction projects have transformed the landscape, with new homes, offices, retail centers and infrastructure projects seemingly popping up overnight. This construction boom has provided jobs and economic benefits, but it has also led to an increase in workplace injuries for construction workers.
The Dangers of Construction Work
Construction work is inherently hazardous. The combination of working at height, heavy equipment, electrical systems, trenches, and other job site dangers means construction consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries. Common causes of injuries include:
- Falls – from roofs, ladders, scaffolds etc. Falls account for over 30% of construction worker deaths nationally. A fall of just 6-10 feet can be fatal. Proper guardrails, netting, and fall arrest systems are critical.
- Struck by object – from falling tools, materials or vehicles. Head injuries are common when workers are hit by objects. Securing overhead loads and wearing hard hats is important.
- Electrocutions – from contact with live wires. Electrical injuries are often fatal. Ensuring cords and panels are in good condition can help prevent these incidents.
- Caught in/between – pinned by heavy equipment or collapsing structures. Trench collapses and shifting materials lead to crush injuries. Proper protective systems and training on material handling is essential.
- Trench collapses – from improper shoring. Trenches over 5 feet deep require shoring, which must be installed correctly. Trench collapses kill dozens of workers each year.
- Overexertion – from lifting, bending, repetitive motions. Muscle strains and back injuries are common. Use of mechanical lifting devices can help.
- Exposure – to hazardous materials or environments. Workers must be informed of chemical and environmental hazards and provided appropriate PPE. Heat stress is also a major risk.
Irvine’s Building Boom
Over the past 10 years, Irvine has approved over $2 billion in new construction projects. Major undertakings include:
- The Orange County Great Park – A 1,300 acre park built on the site of a former Marine Corps air station. The project includes an urban farm, sports fields, trails, commercial space and hangar renovations. High risk work included demolition, earthmoving, steel erection and electrical.
- Irvine Station – A new transportation hub with apartments, offices, hotels, and retail stores. Part of a transit-oriented village plan. The project involved deep excavations, re-routing of utilities and heavy crane lifts.
- Los Olivos Village – A new urban village with 3,700 residential units, retail, entertainment, and office space. The development transformed an old industrial and warehouse district. Hazards include contaminated soils, demolition and underground utilities.
- UCI Medical Center – A new hospital tower, emergency room, and operating rooms. The job involved highly complex mechanical and electrical installations. Injuries during hospital construction can impact patient care.
- Apartment Boom – Over 15,000 new apartment units recently built or under construction. Multistory buildings with repetitive fall hazards during framing.
With so much construction underway, contractors have been working around the clock to keep up with demand. All of this activity has led to more workplace injuries.
Increasing Workplace Injuries
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California has had one of the highest rates of construction worker injuries over the past decade. Within the state, Orange County consistently ranks near the top for construction injuries and fatalities.
Some key figures for Irvine and Orange County:
- Construction worker injury rates increased 22% from 2011 to 2018
- Fall injuries are the leading cause of construction worker hospitalizations
- Cost of construction worker injuries estimated at $100 million per year
- Fatality rate 2-3X the national construction industry average
- Highest incidence of injuries seen among laborers, carpenters, electricians, roofers and painters
- Most common injuries are sprains/strains, cuts/lacerations, fractures and contusions
- Back injuries account for 1 in 5 construction worker injuries
- Mean cost of a construction worker injury is $71,000 in medical and lost wages
Several factors may contribute to the rise in injuries:
- Time Pressure – Projects are on tight schedules, leading to fatigue and mistakes.
- Labor Shortages – Less experienced workers are filling jobs. A high percentage of construction workers in southern California have less than 5 years experience.
- Multi-Employer Sites – Poor coordination across contractors. Unclear chains of command can cause lapses in safety.
- Complex Projects – Building designs are highly technical. New materials and methods require extensive training.
- Economic Growth – More construction during strong economies. In boom times, safety may be overlooked to meet demand.
Preventing Construction Injuries
While the hazards of construction work can never be fully eliminated, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment and minimize risks. Some best practices include:
- Safety Training – Educate workers on job hazards and protective measures. Training should be ongoing, not just one-time.
- Hazard Controls – Use proper guardrails, netting, trench boxes, PPE, and other controls. Inspect and maintain these controls regularly.
- Site Inspections – Conduct daily inspections and correct unsafe conditions immediately. Document inspections and hold supervisors accountable.
- Open Communication – Encourage workers to report unsafe practices without fear of retaliation. Make safety concerns a standing agenda item in meetings.
- Fair Scheduling – Allow adequate time for jobs to be done safely. Avoid excessive overtime. Monitor hours to prevent fatigue.
- Drug Testing – Require pre-employment testing and random checks on the job. Prohibit drug or alcohol use at work.
- Safety Incentives – Reward crews for achieving low injury rates. Discipline supervisors for high injury rates.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working on a construction project in Irvine or Orange County, contact the experienced legal team at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a free consultation at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946). A workplace injury attorney Irvine CA can investigate the incident, preserve evidence, and determine if negligence or liability exists. Financial compensation may be available. Success will depend on identifying all responsible parties – the worker’s direct employer, general contractor, developers, architects, equipment manufacturers, etc.
Don’t wait – statutes of limitations apply, so time is of the essence. Medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering can add up quickly after a construction injury. Take action now to find out how we can help get your life back on track after a construction accident. Call today for your free case review with an Irvine construction injury lawyer.
