Construction sites pose a potential danger, and construction workers face an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
In the US, there are over one million construction-related accidents every year. These accidents result in almost 200,000 workplace injuries. Common construction accident injuries include sprains and strains from lifting heavy objects, falls from scaffolding or ladders, cuts from sharp tools or machinery, ankle injuries, traumatic brain injury, repetitive motion injuries, and electrocution from faulty wiring.
Construction workers may also experience psychological trauma, such as PTSD, from witnessing accidents and worker deaths. Employers should ensure worker safety by following regulations and providing proper training, protective gear, and equipment. Workplace fatalities can cause long-term health problems resulting in high medical expenses.
Denver Car Accident Lawyers construction injury lawyers are available to support you throughout this process.
Causes of Common Construction Accident Injuries
Accidents on construction sites are caused by a variety of factors, including poorly maintained equipment, lack of safety protocols, and hazardous working conditions. These types of accidents can cause devastating injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and even fatalities.
- Poorly maintained equipment is responsible for many construction site accidents. If the equipment is not routinely serviced and inspected for wear and tear, it can malfunction and cause serious injuries.
- Lack of safety protocols and protective equipment is another major factor in construction site accidents. If employers fail to provide proper training, and safety equipment, or enforce safety regulations, workers are more likely to be injured on the job.
- Hazardous working conditions can also contribute to accidents on a construction site. Unstable scaffolding, unprotected ledges, open holes, low power lines, and other hazardous elements can cause workers to experience serious or deadly accidents.
Unsafe Working Environment
Construction accidents can occur due to unsafe working environments. Construction sites contain hazardous materials, high-voltage equipment, and heavy machinery that can pose risks to workers if not handled properly.
Unsafe conditions increase the chances of slips and falls, and other potential hazards. Injuries resulting from unsafe working environments include strains, sprains, fractures, cuts, repetitive stress injuries, bruises, and concussions. Employers need to provide a safe working environment by offering proper safety equipment, safety measures, training, and protocols.
Improper Training & Lack of Training
Improper safety precautions training and lack of training are major factors in many construction accidents that lead to injuries. When a worker is not properly trained on how to use tools or machinery, they can suffer from serious injuries if they make a mistake while using the equipment.
In addition, when workers don’t receive enough instruction on safety protocols and hazardous building materials, they may be at greater risk for slips and falls.
Power Tools & Heavy Machinery
Power tools and heavy machinery are crucial in construction sites but can be dangerous. Workers can suffer severe injuries due to improper operations. Common injuries include crush injuries, amputations, burns, and eye injuries. A crush injury occurs when a heavy object strikes or squeezes a worker.
Amputations happen when limbs get caught and severed by machinery or tools. Burns can result from contact with hot equipment or harmful chemicals. Eye injuries resulting in loss of vision may occur if workers do not have proper safety goggles or face shields when exposed to hazardous materials.
Trench Collapse
Trench collapse is a frequent construction accident. It can result in severe injury or death. Trenches are commonly used for laying pipes, electrical lines, and other underground utility lines.
When the trench walls collapse, workers inside can become trapped and sustain serious injuries from falling debris. Common injuries from a trench collapse include crushing head injuries, broken bones, head trauma, lacerations, and internal injuries.
Slippery Surfaces and Other Hazards
Construction fatalities and accidents can be caused by slippery surfaces and other hazards. Every job site has its risks, but certain dangers apply to all construction projects. Slippery surfaces can lead to falls and serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. These surfaces can result from wet weather, water leaks, oil spills, or uncleaned liquids.
Debris and sharp objects are also hazards that should be promptly removed from work areas. Tools and equipment left in walkways can cause workers to trip or slip and get injured.
Construction Site Injuries
Construction sites are some of the most hazardous working environments due to the wide variety of tools, materials, and equipment used. Despite stringent safety regulations, accidents occur regularly, leading to a variety of injuries. The most common types of injuries sustained on construction sites include:
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are some of the most serious and life-altering construction site accidents. These injuries occur when there is trauma to the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments of the spinal column, which can lead to irreversible damage to the spinal cord itself. SCI can cause loss of sensation and/or mobility from the point of injury and below, resulting in paralysis.
Eye Injury & Vision Loss
Eye injuries are common in construction company accidents. Workers in hazardous conditions are particularly at risk. Construction sites often have debris, dust, and other hazards that can cause eye injuries. These injuries can range from minor irritations to severe vision loss.
Helpful Tips: Learn What to Do When Your Eyes are Exposed to Chemicals
The main causes of eye injuries on construction sites are flying objects, such as nails and tools, as well as chemicals and dust from saws and grinders. To prevent these injuries, it is important for workers to always wear safety goggles or face shields when working with hazardous materials.
Burns & Electrocution
Construction accidents can result in burns and electrocution, which can have lasting health effects. Workers in construction are often exposed to dangerous conditions that can cause these injuries.
Improper handling of electrical hazards, such as exposed wires or overloaded circuits, can lead to shocks or even death. Burns can occur from open flames, hot surfaces, or chemicals, causing severe harm.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Construction-related injuries often include broken bones and fractures. The severity of these injuries can vary depending on the accident. Construction sites are filled with heavy equipment and materials, which can cause significant harm if mishandled.
Workers can sustain broken bones or fractures in their arms, legs, or ribs when struck by falling debris or objects.
Amputations & Limb Loss
Amputations and limb loss are serious injuries that can have a significant impact on the lives of construction workers. These injuries occur when workers become trapped or injured by objects, machinery, or tools, or when they are struck by objects or crushed by heavy equipment. In some cases, these injuries may be a result of insufficient safety protocols or inadequate training.
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Have you been in a construction accident? Did someone else's negligence cause you harm? At DCAL, we know it's tough to deal with injuries from construction site accidents. Our attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Construction sites pose significant risks and injuries can be severe. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a construction accident caused by negligence, it is advisable to seek advice from a knowledgeable attorney who can offer legal guidance.
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