Construction Debris Accidents Can Have Serious Consequences
When we hear about construction accidents in the news, they usually involve heavy pieces of equipment, like cranes or scaffolding. However, not everyone is aware of the dangers of debris for someone who works in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 233 workers were fatally struck by falling objects or equipment in 2013, and that includes construction workers killed by debris.
Debris can come in many forms, depending on the type of construction work an individual does. Workers can be injured by pieces of:
- Rock
- Concrete
- Brick
- Wood
- Drywall
- Shingles
- Glass
- Metal materials
- Plastic
- Asphalt
Almost anything could happen with debris to result in an injury. Common occurrences include:
- Material falling from work being done up on scaffolding or a ladder and hitting a worker below.
- Small pieces of debris flying into a worker’s eyes if he or she is not wearing protective eyewear.
- Debris being left on the ground and not getting cleaned up immediately, causing a worker to trip and become seriously hurt.
- Uncontrollable debris from a demolition falling or hitting nearby workers.
- Debris or materials falling from a crane and hitting workers below.
If you work in the construction industry and you do not wear protective gear such as a helmet on a regular basis, you may want to reconsider your choices. Serious injuries can be avoided in many different debris accidents if workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment. Head injuries are one of the most common debris accidents on construction sites, so don’t leave your helmet in your truck and risk enduring a traumatic brain injury.
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