Top 3 Types Of Construction Accidents

Top 3 Types Of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are constantly buzzing with activity. While workers are busy getting their jobs done, they are often in great danger. Companies must take the safety of their crew seriously at all times. Failing to do so puts both the worker and the company at risk. Below are the Top 3 Types of construction accidents in the United States today.

FALLING: According to the United States Department of Labor Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), 4,821 construction workers were killed in 2014 alone. Falling is listed as the most common cause of death among these workers. Many construction sites are erecting very tall buildings. This means workers are required to work at dangerous heights, perhaps without proper safety equipment. OSHA guidelines clearly state that workers should work at heights only when it has been determined to be safe to support them. In addition, guard rails must be in place if workers are working over 6 feet in the air.

ELECTROCUTION: Electrocution is responsible for 8.2 percent of construction worker deaths, making it the second leading cause in the US. Construction sites use equipment to power machinery and to light work spaces. These sites use high voltage equipment. Electrical wiring must also be done on buildings as they are built, which increases the risk of electrocution. Companies must take steps to ensure their workers are safe while working with electrical equipment and wiring. The equipment itself must also be maintained to keep workers safe.

FALLING OBJECTS: Every year, construction workers are killed by falling objects. These accidents are responsible for 8.1 percent of construction worker deaths. These accidents occur when objects or tools are dropped or jarred loose. Heavy equipment such as cranes can be deadly if they drop a load of poles or beams. Demolition teams must be especially careful to avoid serious injuries. OSHA has safety standards in place to keep construction workers safe on the job. Workers must be given the appropriate safety equipment and made to wear them. Work sites must be kept safe and as hazard free as possible. In addition, machinery should have roofs to protect the operators from falling objects.

While these are the most common causes of construction accidents, there are many more that can cause serious injuries as well. Companies are required by law to keep workers safe. This means they must provide a danger free work area or have safety plans in place. If shortcuts are taken and injuries occur, they may be held responsible.

We take construction worker safety seriously and want to help those injured in accidents. In many cases, we are able to help recover money for medical bills, rehabilitation and hospital costs. We may also be able to recover lost wages for those with lengthy recovery periods. In the event of a death from a construction related accident, we may be able to recover money for surviving family members.

For more information about construction accidents, contact a DC personal injury lawyer near you today.

Thanks to our friends and co-contributors at Cohen & Cohen, P.C. for their added insight into construction accidents.