8 Common Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites
With construction workers reporting injuries daily, construction sites are considered one of the most unsafe workplaces in the country. Even though there are many different types of accidents and ways that a construction worker can get hurt on the job, there are some accidents that are more commonly cited, eight of which are detailed below.
1. Human Error
One of the most critical causes of construction accidents is that of human error. Whether these erroneous acts are done because of careless behavior, as a result of insufficient training, or simply improper attention to the task at hand, the consequences are the same: individuals end up suffering severe or deadly injuries.
2. Failure to Follow Safety Precautions
In order to stay safe on jobsites, construction workers need to understand and be properly trained in workplace health and safety rules. Knowing and applying these safety precautions while working on a construction site can help protect workers against dangerous situations and subsequent injuries.
3. Failure to Identify Unsafe Conditions
General contractors and site managers should always be on the lookout for unsafe conditions on their jobsites and fix them right away. Additionally, ensuring construction workers remain alert and aware of their surroundings while on the job can protect them from harmful objects and hazards. These safety threats often include:
- Electrical problems such as improper wiring or frayed wires
- Improperly placed objects that can result in slips and falls or tripping
- Unguarded machinery and equipment
- Broken equipment that can result in falls from significant heights
4. Failure to Wear Proper Safety Protection
Failure to wear safety protection is one of the root causes of accidents in construction and can result in dangerous exposure to chemicals, radiological properties, sharp mechanical parts, or other potentially dangerous workplace materials. Therefore, construction workers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on construction sites to minimize the risk of becoming injured or ill.
5. Machinery Malfunction
Some of the deadliest accidents on construction sites result from machinery malfunctions. When heavy construction equipment is not operating correctly, significant injuries can occur. Even smaller machinery such as power tools, power saws, and even drills can be extremely unsafe when they fail to function properly.
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you deserve compensation for your suffering. Call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below to be connected with a leading construction accident attorney near you.
6. Maintenance Error
Any piece of equipment can malfunction and fail if it is not maintained correctly. These maintenance errors can result in many severe injuries for those operating the machine and the people in its vicinity. By enforcing regularly scheduled maintenance procedures and following manufacturers’ recommendations, workers can help to ensure the construction equipment is safe to use.
7. Missing Protections on Power Tools
Missing guards or missing power tool protections can have deadly consequences for its users. It is essential for workers to not only remain alert when handling these construction tools, but to check that they are in decent working order before beginning to operate them.
8. Weather and External Factors
Weather and other external factors are often at the forefront of deadly construction injuries. Winter brings with it slick road conditions, which can cause issues for dump trucks, forklifts, and other construction vehicles. It can also affect foot traction when working on ladders, lifts, or scaffolding. Implementing extra fall protection mechanisms can help offset the dangers weather conditions can bring. In summer, extreme heat can cause workers severe dehydration and even heat stroke.
Construction Accidents and Injuries
Common accidents which occur as a result of the above factors include:
- Falls
- Struck-by Accidents
- Caught-in/between accidents
- Electrocutions
- Fires and explosions
Common construction injuries include:
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Muscle and ligament tears
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Dehydration
- Heat stroke
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Diseases from toxic chemical exposure
Construction Accident Lawsuits
An injury from a construction site often results in extensive pain and suffering and significant medical expenses. Additionally, construction injuries often force many employees to be out of work for extended periods of time. When these accidents occur as a result of another’s negligence, the law allows the victim to seek damages for their injury.
Construction accident lawsuits exist to prevent injured workers from falling into financial ruin due to their injuries, and to provide them with the ability to hold accountable those responsible for their preventable suffering. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you need experienced and skilled legal representation on your side to obtain maximum damages for your injuries.
Finding the Leading Construction Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you don’t need to face it alone. Retaining the leading construction accident lawyer in your area can ensure that you and your loved ones are financially protected, and that you are able to focus on your recovery and healing with the confidence that your construction accident lawsuit is in good hands.
The Law Center
The Law Center’s mission is to connect the wrongly injured with the leading local attorneys who are uniquely skilled to help victims of negligence and wrongful acts. If you were injured in a construction accident, The Law Center will partner you with one of our trusted, compassionate, and expert lawyers from our national network of premier law firms. Call 866-465-1419 or fill out the form below to get started on your path toward justice and healing.