According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the most common construction site injury is a “struck-by injury.” This type of injury occurs when a worker is struck by a moving vehicle, equipment, or falling object. For example, a worker is located on the first floor of a new-build home; a tool is dropped from the second floor and hits the worker on the first floor, fracturing their skull in the process.
Why Do Construction Site Injuries Occur?
Other injuries are also common on construction sites. Given the number of power tools, equipment, human error, machine malfunctions, and unforeseen weather, traumatic injuries can take place in the blink of an eye. Here are five ways construction site injuries occur:
1.Falling From Heights
Construction work often involves work that is considered to be high-risk, including working from high stations. For example, if a worker has to scale the side of a building and isn’t properly trained on how to do so safely, they could fall and seriously injury themselves. Some fall accidents are fatal.
2.Ladder/Scaffold Failure
If a scaffold or ladder isn’t properly secured, it could result in falling off the platform altogether.
3.Burns From Equipment
On some sites, tools such as sanders and welders are commonly used. If the operator is negligent/distracted, or insufficiently trained on how to safely operate one of these tools, they could be burned by improper use. Burns can leave a construction worker sidelined for months, if not permanently.
4.Electric Shock
Electric shock is one of the leading causes of workplace injury among construction workers. For example, let’s say an electrical wire is being set up in a home. If you’re unaware that a line is active, you could shock yourself very easily.
5.Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries often do a lot of damage before anyone realizes there is a problem. Why? Because the motions are often so common and minute that construction workers don’t realize the toll it takes on their bodies. For a simple example – let’s say you use a hammer every day at work for five years. After a year or so of repeated motion, your shoulder might start to feel a little sore. You may even develop a minor sprain or strain. However, after several years of repeated motion, you might experience serious problems from muscle deterioration, which can result in long-term injury.
Who Are the Potential Liable Parties?
When it comes to injuries sustained on a construction site, there are a few parties that could be liable. Some of these include:
- Job Site Managers – If a site manager directs workers into harm’s way, they could be held liable for injuries. This is why it’s important that all managers understand the risks involved in every project.
- Vendors – If a vendor delivers materials that don’t meet safety requirements it could result in injuries for the builders. For example, let’s say a vendor delivers scaffolds, but one scaffold has a crack in it. If a worker falls, the vendor could be held liable for the injury.
- Transporters – The transportation of materials such as brick, rock, and cement can pose serious safety threats. Often, this happens during the process of these materials being loaded and unloaded from a truck. If a worker is injured due to the negligence of a driver transporting goods, the transporter could be the liable party.
- Co-Workers – Much like any worksite, if a coworker decides to break safety guidelines and injures you in the process, they would be held liable.
Construction Injury Lawyer
Have you been injured due to negligence on a construction site? After you’ve received medical attention, you could be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Elliot Reiner, APLC can walk you through the process of identifying the liable party and advocating for compensation.
For more information, sign up online for a free consultation today.