Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries

Construction sites see more on-the-job accidents than almost any other industry in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 20% of all fatal work injuries occur on construction sites, only slightly falling behind incidents in the transportation and materials handling industry.

Construction companies are responsible for creating and maintaining safe work environments for employees. When employers fail to meet this benchmark, they are often liable for accidents.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the four prevailing causes of death on construction sites — known as the “Fatal Four” — include falls, struck-by accidents, caught-in accidents, and electrocution. Learn more about these accidents below, then reach out to Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. for legal assistance with your construction accident.

Falls

Construction projects often require workers to stand and work on elevated surfaces. When these surfaces fail to support their weight, provide proper fall protection, or companies neglect to provide proper safety equipment, falls can occur.

Unfortunately, falls can produce severe injuries and even death in victims. Construction workers can fall from any of the following structures:

• Scaffolding
• Roofs
• Ladders
• Structural steel
• equipment

They can also fall through openings in flooring, such as while working on elevators. 

Construction managers should provide training to mitigate fall risks, provide proper fall protection equipment,  and teach workers how to respond promptly to falls. Without this training, falls can cause life-altering injuries, including paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and death. 

Caught-In or Caught-Between Accidents

Many construction sites require workers to operate power tools and heavy machinery in tight quarters. But workers should still have ample room to move around and position machinery safely, even in small work areas. 

Equipment malfunctions, human error, and unsafe work practices can all lead to caught-in or caught-between accidents, causing construction workers to become crushed, squeezed, pinched, or compressed between two objects. These traumatic types of accidents can happen due to: 

• Cave-ins, when structures collapse on workers
• Improper use of machinery, such as when workers wear loose clothing near the mouth of the machine and are sucked into the gears
• Unsafe practices, such as when workers become stuck under hydraulic beds due to a lack of safety protocols

Common injuries from caught-in accidents can range from broken bones to organ damage. When workers cannot mitigate these accidents in time, they often lead to death. 

Struck-By Accidents

When construction sites use the proper safety protocols, workers should never fear falling objects. Construction workers must use caution when moving heavy equipment and operating machinery with swinging arms. At the same time, managers must oversee their construction sites to prevent machinery from falling or swinging uncontrollably.   Additionally, construction companies must ensure that safety precautions are taken to protect individuals who may have to work in the vicinity of an elevated work zone to protect those below from potential objects falling.

Yet struck-by accidents are a common cause of construction site injuries and fatalities. Hazards that can strike and injure workers include:

• Falling objects
• Flying objects
• Rolling objects
• Swinging objects

Electrocutions

Electrical hazards abound on construction sites, and workers must have the proper training to prevent and respond to electrocutions. These accidents may occur with:

• Improper use of extension cords
• Unguarded contact with power lines
• Direct contact with energy sources
• The use of power tools in wet conditions
• improper or inadequate personal protection equipment 

Electric shocks can dislocate joints, break bones, damage internal organs, and burn the skin. In the worst cases, electrocution leads to death. 

Contact a Construction Accident Attorney for Help Seeking Compensation

If you’re dealing with construction site injuries, you’re likely facing steep medical bills and extensive time off work. Work with an experienced construction accident attorney for assistance as you seek compensation. Call Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. at 432-335-0399 today for assistance.