The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. workforce. Each day, construction workers are placed in a high-risk environment and are exposed to several types of hazards that may cause serious injury or death.
In 2016, 20 percent of work-related deaths occurred in the construction industry, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Below, Anderson & Cummings’ Fort Worth construction accident lawyers discuss details of four of the most common causes of construction-related injuries.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We will review your claim and help you determine if you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Falls
Fall accidents occur when a construction worker loses his or her balance and falls from an elevated platform or surface. In 2016, OSHA estimated that fall accidents resulted in 384 out of 991 construction-related deaths.
A serious fall accident can result in significant injuries, including permanent disability. Some of the most severe injuries that result from a fall accident include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Head injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Muscle and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
Struck-By
Struck-by accidents concern objects falling and hitting a construction worker. When a construction worker is struck by a falling object, he or she may suffer serious injuries or death. In fact, OSHA estimated that struck-by accidents accounted for 93 workplace fatalities in 2016.
Struck-by accident risks are greater if there are not adequate safety nettings and measures installed on the job site. Workers often have little warning of a falling object, which can cause serious injures such as:
- TBI
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Bruising
- Lacerations
Caught-Between
Heavy machinery and other hazards on a construction site expose workers to the risk of workers being caught-in or between equipment. These accidents resulted in 72 construction accident fatalities in 2016, according to OSHA.
In a caught-in or between accident, workers are caught or crushed by heavy machinery or objects on a construction site, falling equipment or collapsing structures.
Life-threatening injuries can occur from caught between accidents, including crush injuries or limb amputations. Severe cases of caught-between accidents can also be fatal.
Electrocution
In 2016, approximately 82 workplace fatalities on construction sites were caused by electrocution, according to OSHA. Many types of electrical hazards can be found on a construction site. These may include:
- Faulty wiring
- Power tools
- Lighting systems
- Defective equipment
- Dangerous weather conditions, such as lightning storms
Proper safety precautions must be followed by employers to prevent workers from suffering electrocution injuries. Loose and broken wires should be properly handled and machinery should only be used by qualified workers.
How Employers Can Prevent Construction Accidents
To prevent workplace accidents and fatalities on construction sites, employers should take steps to reduce risks:
- Offer safety training to all workers
- Review health and safety policies for all jobsites
- Hold crew safety meetings regularly, especially on high-risk jobsites
- Protective equipment and clothing should be issued to all workers including hard hats, high-visibility clothing, eyewear, steel-toed boots and sun protection
- Clear jobsites of debris that could cause slip and fall accidents
- Maintain and inspect machinery and equipment regularly, and test for safety prior to use
- Implement fall protection systems that are regularly inspected, including guardrails, toe boards, screens, netting, canopies and scaffolds
- Practice vehicle safety measures including defensive driving, safe backing and parking practices on all construction sites
- Only use heavy equipment as intended
- Follow OSHA safety guidelines for the workplace
- Report and correct hazards and OSHA violations right away
Contact Our Attorneys for Help
If you were injured in a construction site accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical treatment and lost wages.
Anderson & Cummings’ personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth are dedicated to helping victims of negligence obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. We will provide you with a free, confidential consultation to review your claim and discuss which legal options may be available for you, including a third-party personal injury claim.
There are no upfront fees for hiring our attorneys to represent your claim and we only charge clients if we recover compensation. There is no risk to contact us to find out if you have a case.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.