Construction work is one of the most essential jobs in our country, yet construction work can be very dangerous and even fatal for workers. In 2019, each week just over approximately 100 construction workers died because of workplace accidents, and about 250 out of every 10,000 full-time construction workers suffer a workplace injury. Below, we will discuss the common reasons for construction site injuries and fatalities.
What Are the Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries/Accidents?
The top ten reasons for construction site accidents include:
- Falls. If you are working on a site that requires you to scale a building or work while at a tall height, you can suffer serious or grave injuries if you fall.
- Scaffold or ladder malfunctions. Scaffolds or ladders may have cracks or be improperly secured, which can lead to an accident.
- Equipment burns or other machinery accidents. If equipment or machinery is faulty or used incorrectly, you can suffer from burn injuries, lacerations, or other injuries.
- Electrical issues. Electric shocks can occur on construction sites because of downed power lines, issues with machinery or equipment, or negligent conditions on the job site.
- Repetitive motion. Construction work can cause injuries because of the repetitive motions that you make.
- Ground or trench collapses. If your project requires excavation, the surrounding areas may become unstable depending on the soil consistency and other factors. The ground may collapse and injure workers during these projects.
- Slip and fall accidents. If materials are not organized or maintained, workers may trip or fall because of unkempt hazards.
- Vehicle accidents. Sometimes drivers ignore signs that there are fewer lanes, limited access, or new routes, which can be dangerous. In the summertime especially, construction workers on highways and streets can suffer serious injuries after being hit by vehicles that failed to slow down or take steps to protect workers.
- Overexertion. Because of long hours and certain weather conditions, workers may suffer injuries because they faint, are dehydrated, or suffer a stroke.
- Entrapment. Construction workers can suffer injuries if they get caught between or underneath materials that fall on them. A worker can also be trapped between a wall and materials that haven’t fallen. In either instance, they can suffer from bruises, broken bones, or a lack of oxygen.
Get Legal Help
At Michael Doyle, Attorney at Law, our attorney is equipped to help you handle workers’ compensation cases as well as a wrongful death lawsuits. Not only are we able to help you understand your legal rights and options but we can also help you investigate the accident and establish liability. If you have suffered injuries on a construction site, multiple parties may be liable, such as:
- Vendors. Vendors may deliver faulty equipment, materials, or machinery that may be the cause of your accidents.
- Transporters. Transporters are supposed to load, unload, and transport materials (i.e. lumber, bricks, rock, cement, etc.) to and around the job site. While they should use caution in handling the materials, you may suffer serious injuries if they act recklessly or negligently.
- Site manager. Your site manager has a responsibility to safeguard the site and you as well as your co-workers; if they do not warn you of potential risks or enforce safety protocols, they may be held liable for your injuries.
- Passersby. As we mentioned, drivers may be the cause of accidents on sites on roads or highways.
- Co-workers. If your coworker(s) fail to follow safety guidelines, you may be seriously injured because of their negligence.
Let us help you. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (505) 219-2176 or contacting us online.