What Are the 4 Most Dangerous Types of Construction Accidents?
Posted on behalf of James Lynch on June 22, 2018 in Workers' Compensation News. Updated on March 2, 2022
Construction sites are often dangerous environments that increase the risk of workplace accident or death. In fact, more than 21 percent of private industry workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry in 2016, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
If you were injured in a workplace construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our New Jersey construction accident lawyers will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to review your claim. We will help you determine which party is at fault for your construction accident injury and work to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Below, learn about the most common types of construction industry accidents and what can be done to prevent them from occurring.
Falls
In 2016, fall accidents in construction sites resulted in 384 out of the 991 construction-related deaths that occurred in the U.S. during 2016, according to OSHA.
A fall accident may result in a worker suffering a serious injury that causes long-term or permanent disabilities. Some of the most serious injuries caused by falling include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractured bones
- Muscle and soft tissue damage
To prevent workers from falling and suffering a serious injury, employers are required to install adequate scaffolding and hand rails throughout a work site.
Struck By
A struck-by accident occurs when an object falls and strikes a construction worker, often resulting in a serious injury. In 2016, struck-by accidents accounted for more than nine percent of workplace deaths, resulting in 93 fatalities.
The risk of a struck by accident is higher if employers do not install adequate netting and safety measures in construction worksites. Workers often have little warning of a falling objects and may suffer serious injuries after being struck, such as:
- TBI
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Lacerations
- Bruising
Caught In/ Between
Due to the heavy machinery and dangerous hazards on construction sites, workers are often at risk of being caught in or caught between these objects. In 2016, caught in/ between accidents resulted in 72 work-related fatalities, according to OSHA.
Caught in/ between accidents occur when a worker is caught in or crushed by equipment or objects on the jobsite, or is struck by falling equipment or material, or collapsing structures. These types of accidents are often severe and may result in life-threatening injuries such as crush injuries, amputations or death.
Electrocutions
Construction workers are often at risk of being electrocuted by many hazards located on a worksite, including:
- Power tools
- Loose or broken wiring
- Faulty equipment
- Lighting systems
- Inclement weather
In 2016, OSHA estimated that 82 workplace fatalities resulted from electrocution. To prevent these accidents employers are required to follow proper safety precautions, such as ensuring loose or broken wires are covered and only qualified workers are allowed to use heavy machinery.
Tips for Preventing Construction Accidents
Both employers and employees can take steps to reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents on construction sites.
- Provide safety training and education for all workers, including reviewing all health and safety policies for each jobsite.
- Crew safety meetings should be held often. On high-risk jobsites, it may be necessary to hold safety meetings daily to address relevant safety information.
- Construction workers should be issued protective gear and clothing at all times. This includes hard hats, high-visibility clothing, steel-toed shoes, eye protection, gloves and safety clothing appropriate for sun protection.
- Worksites should cleared of debris to prevent trip, slip and fall accidents.
- Equipment, tools and heavy machinery should be well maintained and inspected for safety prior to being used. An inspection schedule should be kept for accident prevention.
- Fall protection systems should be in place to prevent falls and regularly inspected for safe use. This includes guardrails, screens, toe boards, netting, scaffolding and canopies.
- Vehicle safety measures such as defensive driving, safe parking and backing practices should be taken at all times.
- Heavy equipment and machinery should only be used as intended and by a qualified and experienced worker.
- Employers should follow OSHA workplace safety guidelines at all times. Furthermore, employers should report and correct any dangerous hazard or OSHA violation as soon as possible.
Contact an Attorney for Help
Construction workers are often subjected to dangerous work environments that increase their risk of suffering injury or death. When a worker is injured in an accident, he or she should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss filing a claim.
The New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers of Lynch Law Firm, PC will help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will review your case and inform you what legal options you have for recovering compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
Schedule a free, no obligation consultation with our attorneys as soon as possible. We do not charge our clients upfront fees and only require payment if we recover compensation for your claim.
Call (800) 518-0508 and speak to a lawyer today.