You know that you work a risky job, but you need to keep working and living your life without the pain and complication of a construction accident injury. One way that you can help protect yourself is to be aware of the different reasons why construction accidents occur. With this knowledge, you can do your best to avoid dangerous situations and you can protect your rights if you are hurt at work.
How Construction Accidents Happen
Construction work is inherently dangerous. An accident can happen anytime. Some injuries occur because of negligence, some injuries occur because of malfunctioning equipment, and some injuries occur because of bad luck.
The types of accidents that often result in injuries include:
- Falls. This includes both falls from heights and slip and falls.
- Falling objects. Often, construction workers are working on different parts of a structure at the same time. If a tool, or another object, falls from above then it could hurt someone below.
- Struck by accidents. A worker who is hit by an object or piece of equipment could suffer a serious injury.
- Electrocutions. Working with electricity and working outside during storms can lead to dangerous electrocutions.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Trucks and other motor vehicles are often present on construction sites and accidents do occur.
- Caught in or between accidents. These types of accidents can happen when a construction worker is caught in or by a piece of equipment or a collapsing structure.
- Trench collapses. A trench collapse is an emergency that requires prompt rescue efforts to prevent fatalities.
- Equipment related accidents. Anything from a nail gun to a crane can result in a painful injury.
- Repetitive motion accidents. The repeated motion of construction work can result in long-term injuries.
- Heavy lifting accidents. Heavy lifting can result in an acute and immediate injury or a long-term injury.
- Weather-related accidents. Exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stroke, exposure to extreme cold can lead to hypothermia, and exposure to precipitation can cause injury.
- Fires or explosions. Burn injuries are a significant threat that can have long-lasting complications.
- Toxins and dangerous chemicals. This may result in long-term conditions, such as respiratory illnesses or immediate complications such as burns or skin irritations.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning. Construction workers who work in confined spaces may be at risk of potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisonings.
- Tired construction workers. Fatigue is a real concern that can lead to dangerous mistakes.
- Distracted construction workers. A distracted construction worker can be negligent and cause a serious accident injury.
A serious injury can also result if a construction worker is drunk, under the influence of drugs, or acting with the intent to cause harm.
Be Involved in the Prevention of Construction Accidents
You can help prevent a serious construction accident injury on your work site by:
- Asking company leaders to come to your job site for specific safety visits.
- Scheduling safety discussions with the foreman so that workers can express their concerns.
- Asking your employer to invite the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to come on site to give a safety talk.
- Requesting that an emergency response drill is held so that everyone knows what to do in case of an accident, fire, or other emergency.
- Taking a look at the company’s safety policies and thinking about how they are implemented on your job site.
- Requesting specific safety training based on your concerns.
Of course, not all construction accident injuries are preventable.
Protect Your Rights If You Have Been Hurt
If you have been hurt in any type of construction accident, then it is important to protect your financial recovery by:
- Reporting the accident and injury to your employer promptly.
- Getting medical care and following your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Talking to an experienced construction injury lawyer.
To learn more about your rights and potential recovery, please contact us today via this website or phone to schedule your confidential initial consultation.
