Construction sites are dangerous places with inherent occupational hazards due to the physically demanding nature of the work. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated 6.5 million people work at about 252,000 construction sites across the United States daily. Due to the inherent nature of the job, the fatality rate in the construction industry is higher than the national average for all industries. Workers in the construction industry are routinely subjected to operating powerful machinery, scaling great heights, or working on roadsides with the risk of traffic accidents. Consequently, the nature of the job means that construction workers face a considerable risk of workplace injuries. If you are a construction worker who was hurt at work, it’s in your best interest to contact a compassionate Birmingham Workers’ Compensation Lawyer who can help you understand your rights and legal options.
What Are Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
While there are many different risks that construction workers face on the job, falling from great heights is, without a doubt, the leading cause of death and catastrophic injury on construction sites. Workers are at risk of falling from a building, scaffolding, cranes, roofs, ladders, and other pieces of machinery to the ground below. Workers can also fall into holes or ditches. As such, OSHA requires fall protection to be provided at elevations of 6 feet. Additionally, it must be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the height or fall distance. To mitigate the risks of falls, employers must set up the workplace to prevent employees from falling off overhead platforms, elevated workstations, or holes in the floor and walls.
Another top cause of injuries on construction sites is defective machinery. Construction workers use powerful tools and equipment to get their job done. However, these heavy machines could malfunction or fail, resulting in serious injuries. Failure to use appropriate protective gear can also contribute to accidents. If an unsafe piece of equipment has caused your injuries, you may have a valid product liability claim.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in the Construction Industry?
While some dangers are inherent to construction sites, negligence by construction companies, contractors, and other parties may also cause and contribute to tragic workplace accidents and injuries. From traffic accidents, ladder collapses, malfunctioning tools, or errors made by other workers, injuries sustained could be fatal or result in permanent disability. Workers who experience constriction accidents can sustain a variety of serious injuries, including:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Brun injuries
Broken bones - Eye and ear injuries
- Neck, shoulder, or back injuries
- Illnesses caused by toxic chemical exposure
When construction companies, contractors, and other parties fall short of meeting their obligations to provide proper safety equipment and training, they increase the likelihood of these injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on a construction site, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer from Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, who can help protect your legal right to compensation and determine whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.