Back in the 1980s, cell phones and other electronic devices that rely on communication towers were not in nearly every household here in California and across the country. With the technological explosion that occurred in later decades, the need for such towers increased exponentially. This means that the number of severe or fatal workplace injuries suffered by communication tower workers increased as well.
Workers often work at heights ranging from 100 feet tall to an astounding 2,000 feet tall. The risks to them are numerous, but the most often seen include falls, electrical hazards and falling objects. Additional hazards arise from equipment failures, structural collapses and inclement weather. Anytime personnel or equipment are hoisted up a tower, there is a risk of injury or death as well.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration continues to work with companies in the communication tower business to increase the safety of workers. OSHA has had some success with these efforts since deaths dropped from 13 in 2013 to three in 2015. Sadly, however, six people lost their lives in 2016. That might not seem like a lot, but even one death is too many, especially to that victim’s family.
The causal analysis of these workplace injuries continues. However, that does not help a California worker who suffered serious injuries or a family who lost a loved one while working on a communication tower. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to help with the financial impact. Anyone who needs assistance in obtaining these benefits may find the services of an attorney invaluable.
Source: osha.gov, “Communication Towers“, Accessed on June 11, 2017
