Common Construction Injuries

The construction industry is among the most significant sectors of the country’s economy.

Although it is sometimes underappreciated, it is vital to the development of our neighborhoods, our homes’ safety, and our buildings’ compliance with local codes. Without it, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

However, the high rate of occupational safety accidents makes the construction industry among the most hazardous. In this article, we’ll be discussing the most prevalent construction accidents on construction sites.

Most Common Construction Injuries

Here are some of the most prevalent accidents on construction sites:

• Construction Falls: All workers performing jobs above 6 feet must be protected by “fall protection systems,” including guard rails, safety harnesses, planks and platforms, scaffolding, and nets. All too often, contractors skimp on these necessary safety precautions and put their workers at risk.
• Heavy machinery injury: A worker could sustain serious injuries such as shattered, crushed, or broken bones or traumatic brain injury if an accident involves the powerful machinery and heavy objects used in this industry.
• Burns: Burns are common due to the tools used and the high risk of fires and explosions.
• Falling objects leading to head injury: Falling debris, equipment, or materials can cause serious injury on construction sites, especially for personnel who are excavating or constructing from the ground up.
• Cuts and lacerations: Construction workers frequently experience cuts and lacerations from tools that have been neglected or are defective, falling on or standing on exposed nails, and other hazards.
• Spinal cord injuries: These are caused mainly by falling off ladders, rigging, or other elevated areas on the job site.
• Eye injuries: Machinery, pollutants, harmful chemicals, and light radiation are all hazards that can cause eye injury on a construction site.
• Heat stroke: Construction sites with high humidity and frequent exposure to the sun put workers at a higher risk of heat stress and kidney damage.
• Electrocution: Workers are more likely to get electrocuted since they frequently work with electrical wiring and water.
• Inhaling dangerous chemicals: It is also possible for workers to become ill from breathing in airborne toxins while at work.
• Trench and building collapse: Trenches must be braced to protect workers, and buildings must be adequately secured and braced to prevent collapse. At the same time, they are being constructed or renovated. The consequences of not doing so are often deadly.

Deadly Construction Accidents

According to the most recent data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), roughly 20% of private-sector workplace fatalities occur in construction—accounting for 1,061 construction worker deaths in 2019. In the same year, approximately 79,660 non-fatal injuries were reported.

How Construction Workers Avoid Injury

Accidents on the construction site can be avoided by adhering to recognized industry safety measures.

The first is by using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety equipment such as protective clothing, safety glasses, and hearing protection will be the first line of defense against hazards on the work site.

Second, workers need to undergo safety training as required by OSHA. This ensures that workers know and understand what protection is available to them. Refresher courses can also help reduce mishaps.

Third, the general contractor must hold pre-job and on-the-job safety meetings with all the contractors present to ensure regulatory compliance is prioritized. Safety starts at the top and is not an option!

The Bottom Line

Construction zones are full of hazards, and regardless of how cautious a worker acts, something can still go wrong, especially if construction companies neglect their duty of care.

In this article, we’ve gone through some of the most common injuries in construction work. These workplace accidents can result in necessary medical treatment and lost wages. A worker might even have to change jobs or stop working altogether if the injury causes severe and lasting damage.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident while on the job, consulting with a construction accident lawyer can help you get the workers’ compensation you deserve. The law firm of Rosetti, DeVoto has a team of experienced personal injury lawyers ready to fight for you. We will work diligently to make sure you get the best outcome in your case.

Do not hesitate to get in touch with the dedicated personal injury lawyers at our law firm by calling 856-354-0900 or reaching out online. Set up a free consultation today!