
No matter the occupation or the industry, workplace injuries and accidents happen and the area of construction is no exception. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), almost 137,000 construction workers in the US suffer injuries. Common construction injuries include being struck by objects, electrocution, falls, and the use of dangerous equipment. While there are a wide variety of injuries that can occur on a construction site, some happen more frequently than others. Here is a quick look at some of the most common accidents that you may encounter while working at a construction site.
Falls
Fall injuries are some of the most common construction site injuries due to the nature of construction and the dangerous situations that workers frequently face. Workers can fall from scaffolding, a roof, slip off of a ledge, fall from a vehicle, or even through an opening. Many construction projects involve multi-storied buildings or bridges, increasing the chances of injury. In order to help make the workplace as safe as possible, employers are required to offer proper safety equipment and education for employees to minimize the risk of falling. It is also essential that employers enforce safety protocols and provide safety equipment for workers.
Collapsing Trenches
When building roads, laying pipelines, and digging foundations, the digging of trenches using heavy machinery is often required. Trenches can collapse under the weight of dirt, and trench-digging vehicles pose serious workplace hazards. According to OSHA guidelines, construction workers should not approach unprotected or in an area deeper than 5 feet unless it is surrounded by protective fencing.
Explosion Injuries and Fires
Working with flammable gases or compressed air can put workers at increased risk of explosion and fire. As a result, employees and supervisors need to be aware of safety practices, warning labels, and properly handling flammable substances while at a construction site.
Tripping or Slipping
Construction sites are often cluttered with equipment, tools, debris, and other hazards that may get in the way of workers and cause them to trip or slip. This is especially prevalent during winter or rainy months, where workers can easily slip on icy or wet surfaces and lose their footing.
Moving/Falling Materials
In order to protect themselves from the possibility of being struck by a falling object, construction workers should always wear protective equipment while at the worksite. Protective gear includes hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate study footwear which can decrease the chances of injury from moving or falling debris when used correctly.. Construction sites may be littered with various materials such as metal pipes, wood, and other heavy materials, which can cause potential injury and harm.
Electrocution
Recent years have resulted in increased fatalities due to electrocution on construction sites. In 2018 alone, there were160 recorded electrical fatalities compared to 136 fatalities in 2017. According to the OSHA, construction workers and management must locate and identify all above and below-ground electrical utilities before starting work in order to help minimize the chances of electrocution.
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents are one of the most common workplace accidents that can occur on a construction site, and can be some of the most deadly. In 2018, 39 percent of construction fatalities occurred when a worker was struck by a vehicle while on the worksite. As a result, OSHA recommends that workers wear reflective vests and other high-visibility clothing to increase visibility while at the job site.
What to do After a Construction Accident?
When a construction worker has suffered an accident and has been injured on the construction site, they may be required to complete workman’s compensation paperwork, incur legal fees & medical bills, and suffer from income loss and other costs. In some cases, workers’ compensation and insurance do not offer full coverage, posing an additional financial burden on employees. Amy Gaiennie of the Gaiennie Law Office had to say the following about what to do after a workplace injury: “If injured on the job, it is important that workers contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide them through the process of how to proceed with their unique circumstance”. If the employer is found liable for an unsafe work environment, the injured employee may be able to recover compensation for their injuries.
Know Your Rights
Life-threatening injuries, chronic back pain, including broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) require immediate and ongoing medical care. Unfortunately, some workers may die from their injuries, leaving their families to cope with the sorrow and loss, and financial struggles. It is vital for workers to know their rights and what to do if their injuries are caused by employer negligence. Fortunately, workers injured on the job do not have to navigate the process alone by contacting a knowledgeable attorney for help and support.