Types of Construction Site Accidents

13 Kinds of Construction Accidents

Your job is not a safe one. More than 20 percent of all worker-related fatalities in the United States happen in the construction industry, according to recent statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Additionally, many construction workers are hurt each year.

Accordingly, it is important to know how these accidents happen so that you can be aware of the risks and know what to do when a serious accident happens to you.

13 Types of Construction Accidents

Some common types of construction accidents include:

1. Crane or hoist accidents. Cranes and hoists are important construction tools. However, lack of training, operator errors, and other factors can lead to serious accidents on construction sites.
2. Falls from heights. Scaffolding accidents, ladder accidents, roofing accidents, and other falls from heights can result in tragic construction accidents.
3. Slip and falls. A slip and fall on the ground can cause broken bones, sprains, and other injuries.
4. Repetitive stress injuries. The repetitive nature of some construction work can result in repetitive stress injuries in the back, wrists, ankles, and joints.
5. Gas leaks, fires, and explosions. Gas leaks, fires, and explosions can be sudden and deadly. Carbon monoxide, for example, can be dangerous in a confined construction space.
6. Forklift accidents. Without proper training and attentive operators, forklifts can be dangerous and result in serious construction accidents.
7. Trench accidents. A trench collapse or an accident within a trench can be devastating. A construction worker may be trapped and unable to get out on his own.
8. Elevator shaft accidents. Construction workers may be at risk of falling down elevator shafts if safety precautions are not in place.
9. Electrocutions. Electrical equipment, overhead electrical wires, wiring, and lightning all create risks of electrocution for construction workers.
10. Machinery accidents. Heavy machines are necessary to complete construction jobs, but they also create real risks for construction workers when they malfunction or when an operator is negligent.
11. Struck-by accidents. Motor vehicles are common on construction sites. A construction worker is at risk of being struck by a motor vehicle or piece of machinery while working on a construction site.
12. Caught-between accidents. A limb or an entire person may get caught by a piece of equipment or crushed by the debris of a construction accident.
13. Exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxins. Breathing in certain chemicals or toxins can cause construction workers to suffer serious respiratory illnesses.

All of these accidents can result in different kinds of serious injuries and in fatalities. If you have been hurt or if your loved one has been killed then it is important to get help as soon as possible. Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer today to make sure that your rights are protected and that you get the full and fair recovery that you deserve.