Construction work is among the most dangerous jobs in America, with accidents and injuries claiming the lives and well being of thousands of workers in different industries each year. Construction workers are more than twice as likely than any other industry to suffer an illness or injury that requires days away from work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In the US alone, almost 15,000 construction site-related accidents result in hospitalization or death each year. An estimated 4,600 people die from their injuries, and over 74,000 are left permanently disabled.
The construction industry has a high incidence of accidents. In fact, the BLS reports that the construction industry has the second highest rate of non-fatal injuries and illnesses among U.S. industries.
The BLS has compiled data on the frequency of construction accidents. Here is a list of most common construction site injuries according to what they found :
- Blunt force trauma to head:
These occur when an object falls or is thrown onto the worker. They often result in severe injuries. The injury could be a brain hemorrhage, skull fracture, or other injuries.
Everyday, workers suffer from injuries as a result of blunt force trauma, and about 75% of these injuries are caused by the impact of falling objects.
There is an easy solution to this problem that would significantly reduce the number of head injuries on construction sites: helmets. Construction workers might be hesitant to wear helmets because they could feel too hot or make it difficult for them to hear instructions clearly. However, choosing lighter helmets made with more breathable materials and developing a system where other workers alert workers wearing helmets when there is a hazardous situation can easily alleviate these concerns.
- Scaffolding Accidents:
These cause more than 40% of the deaths in construction accidents. Construction workers, contractors and builders are at risk for falls from scaffolding in an office building, high-rise building or commercial construction site. The most common type of scaffolding accident is the fall. These falls often result in severe injuries or death.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that approximately 2,900 workers were injured and 139 died as a result of being struck or falling from a scaffold between 2004 and 2013. OSHA’s fatality rate for deaths due to falls was 2.7 per 100,000 workers in 2014. In 2017 construction site falls were the leading killer of workers in the U.S., and this is a problem that is only getting worse.
Since most workers who die on the job die from falls, it stands to reason that these deaths are preventable. Employers can take steps to ensure their workers are safe on the job by enforcing fall protection measures.
- Electrocution :
Electrocution is a serious hazard at construction sites. Serious injuries related to electrocution cost the construction industry $1.5 billion each year in worker’s compensation costs, disability payments and medical bills.
Every year, more than 300 construction workers are killed by inadvertent contact with electricity. In 2012, there were nearly 200 fatal electrocutions in construction and other industries. The BLS reports that 27% of all fatalities in the construction industry occur because of electrical hazards.
According to OSHA, many of these deaths could have been prevented if basic safety measures had been followed. It is important for workers to have the right equipment to keep them safe. Personal protective equipment, including hard hats, gloves, steel-toed boots, safety glasses and other items can help keep workers safe at the workplace.
Steps to file a Construction Accident Claim:
Construction accidents are common, and they can happen to anyone working around construction sites. Construction workers suffer injuries in the workplace every day, and if you are injured or a loved one is killed in a construction accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
- STEP 1
Before filing a claim, there are certain steps that need to be taken. To begin with, it is best if the injured party seeks medical attention for any injuries sustained. This will establish the extent of the injuries and how long it may take for them to heal. It will also determine the compensation that you will receive.
- STEP 2
Informing your employer of the accident is crucial and should be done as soon as possible. The employer will then provide you with the regulated Workers’ Compensation form.
- STEP 3
To get your accident claim started, contact an experienced construction accident lawyer. These claims are not as simple as they might seem at first glance. Lawyers will be able to assess your case and determine whether you have grounds for a claim based on negligence of the employer or another party involved. If you’ve been hurt in a work-related accident.
Call us at (310) 473-2355 or gsantiago@dyslawgroup.com to book a free case evaluation.
