7 Common Accidents on Construction Sites

Working at a construction site exposes workers to a lot of dangers. Although there are regulations and safety measures put in place, accidents are still too common. Some types of accidents happen more often than others and these are the types of accidents you should be aware of, so you know the risks.

Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents can be caused by debris, construction defects, uneven working surfaces, poor lighting, and a lot more. Although these accidents do not often lead to death, they can lead to serious injuries such as broken legs, soft tissue injuries, and more.

Height-related Accidents

Many construction workers work at elevated levels and this is why height-related falls are arguably the most common type of accident at construction sites. Falls have been identified as a major cause of accidents that lead to death at construction sites. Falls can be caused by a lack of proper fall protection, scaffold collapses, dangerous ladders, and more.

Accidents caused by falling objects also belong to this category. These can arise due to tools, equipment or support structures not being properly secured, or due to the lack of safety nets to protect workers below. Height-related accidents are one of the reasons why construction is so dangerous and if you are ever injured in such an accident, as detailed by the lawyers at Mottazsiskinjurylaw.com. It is recommended that you get in touch with a lawyer to find out if you qualify for compensation and report the accident to your employer as well as your healthcare and insurance providers.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions are quite common on construction sites where electricians and other workers are working in the same space. The risk of electrocutions increases substantially if there is electricity flowing through a site.

Forklift and Crane Accidents

Forklifts and cranes are used to move materials in and through construction sites. They both require specially trained operators to operate safely. Because they transport materials weighing tons, workers must exercise caution when using or around them.

However, no matter how careful workers are, poor training, mechanical defects and failures can lead to accidents or death.

Fires and Explosions

There are so many factors that can lead to explosions or fire at construction sites. Gas or chemical leaks, electrical malfunction, flammable materials, and equipment malfunctions all pose a serious risk. Fires and explosions can cause burns in mild cases or serious injury and death in serious ones.

Vehicle Accidents

Construction often happens near highways, which can expose workers to the risk of getting hit by a vehicle. Additionally, there are vehicles and trucks arriving at and leaving construction sites all the time. These also pose a danger to construction workers.

Collapses

Building or trench collapses are arguably the most dangerous of all building accidents. Collapses are so dangerous because they often lead to the death of numerous workers at the same time.

Construction zones can be dangerous places to work. However, putting the necessary safety measures in place can help reduce the risk of injury or fatality. Should an accident happen, workers are advised to talk to an attorney to see if they qualify for compensation.