What are the Common Construction Accidents?

Workplace construction accidents are all too common for people who have worked in the construction industry. Extensive safety regulations, standardized procedures, related safety resources and ample signage are all there to keep us safe. However, there are plenty of times where no amount of preparation can save you from a construction accident.

What are the most common types of construction accidents? When people are injured on the construction site, they often aren’t aware of what caused their accident or what could have been done to prevent it. Today, we’ll walk you through the 8 most common construction injuries.

#8: Hazardous Exposure

The physical dangers of the construction site are obvious. Most anyone can look at a power tool or lifting equipment and tell you to exercise caution. It’s often the invisible dangers, and not the most common workplace injuries that we should be looking out for. Some of the most common substances that cause hazardous exposure are:

• Welding fumes
• Dust
• Chemicals
• Exhaust
• Asbestos
• Gas leaks

If you are working with or around any of these substances, ensure you are wearing proper safety equipment and are handling it in a safe way.

#7: BURNS: Lesser-known Construction Accidents

Motion creates energy, which puts off heat. Additionally, some construction processes, like welding, use heat to get work done. Below are some of the most common construction site causes of burn:

• Electrical fires
• Hot equipment, materials, or substances
• Friction from contact with a moving object

Burns obviously cause pain and harm to the skin, but serious burns are prone to infections and may cause permanent tissue damage. Wear PPE and treat any burn, no matter how “small,” seriously.

#6: ELECTROCUTION (powerful construction injuries!)

Electricity is so powerful. It helps construction work get done. However, it also poses a lot of risk when electrical equipment and components are left out in the open. Although electrocution can be a threat wherever electricity is, it is especially common to get injured around:

• Exposed wires
• Grounded power lines
• Improper insulation
• Failures to follow procedure

When working with electricity, always be especially cautious. Know how much of a distance to keep between yourself, others, and the energized tool or machinery. Train others and ensure you have received proper training on how to use electrical tools before you start using them. Doing so can save you from nerve and organ damage.

#5: Injury Through VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

For construction sites near the roadway, drivers will always be a hazard. Other than keeping your distance from the roadway and staying aware of vehicles, not much can be done to prevent these types of accidents. We see vehicle accident injuries when:

• Drivers drive too quickly or are distracted
• Workers get too close to the road
• An individual does not use discretion when working near the road

If you are involved in a vehicle accident at a construction site, you need to hire a lawyer immediately. These accidents usually end in many injuries. As a result, you need to make sure you have the right legal representation on your side.

#4: Workers GETTING CAUGHT IN-BETWEEN

Construction sites are busy places with a lot of moving parts. Machinery, materials, and moving infrastructure move about the space as easily as people. It’s not unsurprising that one of the top types of accidents is getting caught in between two objects. Most commonly, we see construction workers in this accident when:

1. They are too close to or are unaware of moving objects.
2. They do not follow proper safety protocol when moving objects.
3. They get body parts too close to moving machinery.

This type of accident is extraordinarily dangerous because it causes serious personal injury almost immediately and can even reduce oxygen intake. Be aware of your surroundings while at the construction site to avoid getting caught in-between.

#3: Construction Site DEBRIS

Metal, wood, stone, tools, chemicals… these things may all be found on a construction site. If workers are working on different levels of the site, watch out. It’s not uncommon for the people above or near you to make an error, dropping or losing control of whatever it is they were working with. When workers are injured from debris, it is usually because of:

• Improperly stacked piles
• Insufficiently secured materials
• Tools not properly stored or held

The injury we see most often from debris is head trauma. It’s important to always wear eye protection and a hard hat when in work zones, but especially when you’re avoiding debris injuries.

#2: Machinery and Equipment ACCIDENTS

Humans aren’t perfect, but neither are machines. Put the two together and you have a potentially harmful situation. To take proper precaution when around heavy machinery, you should know that most accidents happen when:

• A worker is struck by a piece of machinery.
• A machine malfunctions.
• You are in or near a machine that tips over during operation.

Machines help a lot in construction, but they can also cause some pretty serious injuries. When you have a respectful fear for machines, you’ll likely be safer around them, too.

#1: FALLING Injuries

It might be surprising to learn that the number one most common construction accident is falling. Although this may not seem to be the construction accidents common to most people, and these types of injuries and fatalities seem easy to avoid. However, in the conditions of a construction site, falling can be easier than you think. Below are just some of the causes of falling we’ve encountered:

• Falling from over-exhaustion or dehydration
• Slip and falls
• Tripping over materials
• Losing balance
• Uneven surfaces
• Improper safety restraints

If you feel that your workspace is especially prone to falls from heights, point it out to your supervisor. Be cautious around areas that appear more hazardous than others. Remember, it may slow down your work, but your life and health is priceless.

WETTERMARK KEITH: Free Case Evaluation For Your Construction Accident

In short, there are a lot of situations where you could face these common accident types. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters will try to pay you the bare minimum of what you’re owed for your construction site injuries. With a trusted attorney on your side, though, you’re more likely to get the compensation you need.

If you’ve been injured in past construction site accidents or anytime while working on a construction site, call Wettermark Keith personal injury attorney today. You deserve the workers’ compensation and insurance settlements for your injuries. We can help. Call us for a free case consultation.

Construction Accident Injury FAQ's

What are the most common accidents that occur at a construction work site?

1. Falling
2. Electrocution
3. Getting caught in equipment or machinery
4. Being struck by an object

What is the most common cause of injury in construction?

The leading cause of injury and death for construction workers is falls. Workers are the most likely to fall from roofs, ladders and scaffolding.