Construction sites are places that involve various activities and operations. But at the same time, they are also places where several accidents occur. According to National Safety Council (NSC) statistics, one in every ten workers employed in the construction industry is likely to have an accident.
Slips And Falls
Falls are one of the most common accidents on a construction site. When employees work on elevated platforms or scaffolds, there is always a risk of falling. Falls can be caused by inadequate scaffolding, missing guardrails, insufficient lighting, or when tools or materials become loose and fall off a platform. Injuries that result from falls can include broken bones, head injuries, and death. To prevent falls on a construction site, it is important to use proper safety equipment and secure any surface that could cause an individual to slip or fall.
Trench Collapse Accidents
Building sites require trenches and excavations. But, the exercise makes the ground and surrounding places unstable and weak, thus collapsing on workers. If you or your loved ones need assistance with accident compensation, consult a TBI lawyer.
Equipment Malfunction
Machines used in construction can malfunction due to poor maintenance or defective parts, causing serious injuries to nearby workers.
Electrocution
Electrocution causes many injuries and deaths among workers on construction sites. Often, electrocutions occur when power lines come into contact with machinery at a worksite. Additionally, workers may come into contact with exposed wiring or electrical currents if they are not careful when performing their job duties.
Traffic Accidents
Many construction sites require heavy machinery and vehicles for various tasks such as excavation and demolition. The vehicles can cause accidents, especially for workers operating at night.
Explosions And Fires
Some of the materials used in construction are highly flammable. Other equipment is dangerous when exposed to sparks or open flames. If workers don’t observe safety measures, the substances can cause a fire.
Caught In Or Between
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines “caught in/between” accidents as when construction workers are squeezed, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects. These accidents often occur when large pieces of heavy machinery collide with each other or with a wall, causing harm or death to a worker.
Striking By Objects
Many construction workers are injured each year due to being struck by heavy equipment, tools, or other construction materials. This is often due to a lack of proper training on using the tools and equipment at the job site. When an object strikes a worker, it can result in serious injuries, including amputations and traumatic brain injuries. The major cause of striking accidents is workers’ failure to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Also, a worker can be hit by an object if they are not paying attention while operating machines.
Overexertion
Construction crews often work long hours in extreme heat and humidity. The situation leads to fainting, dehydration, and strokes.
Collapsed Building
This is among the most dangerous construction accidents. A building can collapse due to poor engineering, the use of defective building materials, and lack of regular inspection. When a building collapses, the fatalities depend on the size of the building.
Crane Accidents
Worksite cranes and forklifts require special training to operate. Since these machines carry tons of cargo, they should be handled cautiously. However, lack of training, machine defects, and failures can result in a deadly crane accident.
Construction workers should always be focused on safety. It’s important that you work with a company that values your safety. Companies with a track record of accidents may be taking shortcuts that could ultimately lead to an accident. If you are injured in any construction site accident, seek medical help and consult a lawyer for compensation.
