Common Types of Construction Accidents

Construction job sites are busy places. With all the heavy machinery, equipment, and workers present, the potential for accidents is high.

This article will look at the common types of construction accidents that can occur at these work sites and that construction companies need to work to minimize. Some even result in serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding these hazards is essential for both workers and visitors to construction sites. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, consulting a construction accident lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and seek compensation for damages.

Falls at Construction Sites

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from heights are among the most common and often most severe construction accidents.

They can include:

• Ladder falls: Workers using ladders may fall if the ladder is not properly secured or if they lose their balance.
• Scaffold falls: Scaffold accidents happen due to faulty scaffolding, lack of guardrails, or the improper use of safety equipment.
• Roof falls: Workers can fall from roofs if they are not properly harnessed or if the roof is unstable.
• Elevated platform falls: Workers can fall from platforms like cherry pickers or scissor lifts if the equipment malfunctions or if workers are not secured properly.

Struck-By Accidents

Struck-by accidents are another type of serious accident that happens all too often in the construction industry. They occur when construction workers are struck by vehicles, equipment, or falling debris.

• Car accidents: Construction sites often involve vehicles and heavy equipment. Collisions happen due to driver error, lack of visibility, or miscommunication.
• Falling objects: Tools, materials, or debris may fall from elevated work areas, posing a danger to workers and bystanders below.
• Equipment malfunctions: Malfunctions in heavy equipment like cranes or bulldozers can lead to accidents if operators lose control or if you are in the path of an object expelled from a faulty piece of equipment.

Caught-In or Between Accidents

Caught-in or between accidents is one of the most serious construction injuries. It involves workers being trapped or crushed between objects or machinery.

• Trench collapses: Workers in trenches or excavations are at risk of being buried or crushed if the walls cave in.
• Machinery accidents: Workers can get caught in machinery or between moving parts of large power tools if safety measures are not followed.
• Building collapses: Poorly constructed buildings or structures can collapse, trapping workers inside.

Electrical Accidents

Electrical accidents, such as shocks and electrocution, can occur due to faulty wiring, exposed wires, working near power lines, or improper handling of electrical equipment.

Fire and Explosions

Construction sites often involve flammable materials and equipment that can lead to fires and explosions. Mishandling chemicals or flammable materials, gas leaks from equipment or pipes, or welding accidents can all cause fires and explosions at construction sites.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls can occur because of hazardous conditions on construction sites:

• Uneven terrain
• Debris
• Wet or icy surfaces
• Poor lighting hiding safety hazards
• A lack of warning signs

Overexertion and Strain

Construction work is physically demanding and can cause overexertion and muscle pulls and strains.

• Too much heavy lifting with poor form can cause back injuries.
• Too many repeated movements like hammering or drilling can cause injuries over time.
• Long hours and physically demanding work can cause workers to lose concentration, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Working in hot and humid conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. It’s important for workers to drink the proper amount of fluids while working in hot conditions.

The Importance of Consulting an Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident, seek legal guidance as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney with experience in construction site accidents or workers’ compensation claims can help you in several ways. They can conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability and gather evidence. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. In the event of a lawsuit, an attorney will advocate for you, including fighting for you in court.