While the construction industry is not necessarily known for being the safest profession, it’s considerably safer today than just a few decades ago. This is because of the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Association’s (OSHA) strict, federally enforced regulations. However, human error and negligence cannot be negated entirely despite all the preparation and enforcement measures. Identifying the most common accidents and injuries in the construction industry can help you stay safe and avoid potential risks. If you are a construction worker who was hurt at work, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of our dedicated New York City Construction Site Accident Attorney, who can help you understand your rights and legal options.
What Are the Top Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites?
After startling reports of escalating catastrophic injuries and fatalities in the construction industry, the United States Congress enacted OSHA. It was designed to ensure safer working conditions for workers. When OSHA safety standards are ignored or violated, it can lead to dangerous situations for construction workers. If the appropriate parties fail to comply with these safety regulations, the likelihood of accidents and injuries will increase. Construction injuries and their causes are usually preventable with proper education, training, and safety measures. Nevertheless, though there are many common accidents and injuries on construction sites, there are four categories OSHA calls the “fatal four,” as they are often life-threatening:
- Falls: This occurs when workers are dropped from great heights (roofs, scaffolding, etc.)
- Caught in or caught between: This occurs when a worker is caught between two heavy pieces of machinery or objects or when clothing or body parts are caught in moving machinery parts.
- Struck-by objects: This occurs when a moving object strikes a person.
- Electrocution: This results from exposure to potentially lethal amounts of electrical energy.
What Are Common Types of Injuries?
Unfortunately, construction injuries can be incredibly severe and traumatic due to the nature of the work. They can result in various medical conditions that are detrimental to a worker’s quality of life. In incredibly tragic cases, they may even be fatal or result in permanent disability. Depending on the extent of the injury, workers may be unable to return to work, which can impact their ability to earn a living. The most common construction injuries include:
- Amputations
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Burns (from fires, explosions, or electrocutions)
- Lacerations
- Eye injuries(loss of vision)
- Loss of hearing (loud noises on construction sites)
- Spinal cord damage (paralysis, especially from falls)
- Neck, shoulder, and ankle injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Toxic exposure to chemicals
- Death
As you can see, the injuries can be life-altering. If you have been injured on a construction site while on the job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. However, workers’ compensation benefits may not compensate for your damages. With so much at stake, please don’t hesitate to contact Swerling Law, as our legal team is prepared to effectively represent your interests and fight for the just compensation you need to get your life back on track.