It is no secret that construction workers have a highly dangerous job. Whether working in residential or commercial construction, the men and women who hold these positions are putting themselves at risk for serious injury on a daily basis. While it is true that there are certain measures and guidelines in place in order to ensure the safety of construction workers, these rules are not always followed. According to the U.S. Department of Health, more than 4,500 workers were killed on the job in 2013, which comes out to about 3.3 deaths per 100,000 full-time construction workers. This same study uncovered that falls accounted for most of the deaths, with electrocutions, caught in machinery, and struck by an object rounding out to the top four most common causes of construction site deaths.
As a leading Plano construction accident lawyer, we have represented workers throughout the state on these types of cases. The cases of construction injuries are numerous and varied, and some are easier to spot than others. In order to have a better understanding of this growing problem, it may help to familiarize yourself with the most common accident types. In doing so, we hope that it will help you and others in the construction industry avoid injury and identify any injuries you may have unknowingly sustained.
Here is a look at the most common construction site accidents:
- Falls. As mentioned, falls are the leading cause of injury or death at construction sites. In many cases, construction workers are required to work at very high heights, such as on scaffolding, ladders, or roofs. When proper safety measures are not followed, it could result in the construction worker falling and sustaining very serious injuries as a result.
- Electrocution. Another common type of construction site accidents is electrocution. Because construction sites are a work in progress, there is often exposed wiring, power lines, and unfinished electrical systems. If a worker unknowingly comes into contact with one of these items, it could lead to electrocution or shock.
- Getting caught in-between objects or materials. Construction sites are full of many different types of materials, tools, and heavy machinery. Because of this, it is all-too common for workers to find themselves stuck in-between immovable objects, materials, or even debris.
- Getting struck by falling debris, materials, or objects. When working on projects that have multiple levels, it is very common for falling tools, materials, beams, or other objects to become dislodged and strike workers below. Since the reaction time in these instances is next to nothing, it oftentimes results in serious injuries or death.
- Machinery accidents. No matter what type of job it is, there is usually many different types of heavy machinery present on construction sites. From cranes and bulldozers to nail guns and jackhammers, a mistake or accident with any of these tools could cause devastating injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, contact Wormington & Bollinger today. Our knowledgeable accident lawyers will go over your case with you and determine if you have the legal right to pursue action against the construction company or whoever was responsible for your injury(s).