Working on a construction site can be quite a perilous job. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, estimates that nearly 20% of all work-related deaths in the United States occur in the construction industry, with over 5,000 fatalities reported each year and countless injuries. Despite strict safety measures, accidents are frequent and inevitable. Now, whether you’re a worker or a site manager, this article will shed light on the most common accident scenarios on construction sites.

Crane and Hoist Accidents

Cranes and hoists are important pieces of machinery seen on construction sites used to hold and carry heavy loads. To operate them, technicians must undergo special training and observe a number of safety precautions. Whether it’s from a lack of caution or training, tool defects, or spontaneous equipment failure, cranes and hoists may cause horrific accidents that can result in irreversible injuries or fatality.

Forklift Accidents

In a similar vein, a forklift isn’t meant to be used by non-experienced workers. These vehicles can conveniently transport large loads from point A to point B. The most common scenario involving forklifts occurs when an unskilled or inattentive operator fails to gauge the weight load and distances properly, causing property damages, injury to themselves or others, and death.

Gas Leaks, Fire Hazards, and Explosions

Construction sites are an ideal ground for these types of incidents. Gas or chemical leaks, electrical issues, equipment malfunction, and mishandling of flammable materials are just a few instances of what can lead to an explosion, causing injuries and fatalities. More often than not, the liability falls on equipment manufacturers, site managers, and engineers. So, if one of your relatives was the victim of a tragic incident of this nature, a team of wrongful death claim New York lawyers will help claim your rights and obtain fair compensation for your ordeal. Whether you live in New York or San Francisco, with some research, you’re bound to find competent attorneys to guide and represent you.

Demolition Accidents

Likewise, demolition is a common activity in construction work that often involves the use of explosives to take down old buildings or structures. This places workers in imminent danger, launching projectiles that may cause laceration, traumas, broken bones, paralysis, and even death. While they’re sometimes unavoidable, proper safety gear and special training can help onsite workers lessen the risk of hazards and stay safe during demolition work.

Height-Related Accidents

People don’t need to be working on record-breaking skyscrapers to be exposed to height-related accidents. As a matter of fact, over 40% of all reported construction site deaths involve falling from heights, ladders, scaffold collapses, roofing accidents, and being hit by falling objects. Again, given the sensitive and dangerous nature of the work, strict safety protocols and equipment often aren’t enough to prevent these unfortunate incidents.

Slip-and-Falls

Slipping or tripping and falling is one of the most common causes of injury for workers on construction sites, according to OSHA. There is no shortage of contributing risk factors; defective flooring, unsafe stairs, poor lighting, oil or grease on floors, or cables lying around, can all lead to injury. Slip-and-fall accidents often result in sprains, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or paralysis. In some extreme cases, people can succumb on the spot.

Machinery Accidents

Handling machines, tools, and other equipment is never something to be taken lightly. Construction workers often work with heavy loads, sharp objects, and other aspects that may prove dangerous if mishandled. Moreover, no one is ever safe from a spontaneous machine malfunction that can cause trauma, loss of limb, “caught-between” accidents, and more. In the event this occurs, the responsibility will be imputed to the manufacturer or site manager.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Lastly, but importantly, construction work is a repetitive occupation that involves lifting, carrying, keeling, and a whole lot of physical motion. As such, over time, workers may find themselves sustaining stress-related injuries in the back, neck, joints, ankles, and wrists. It isn’t rare for victims to hire a personal injury lawyer after they’ve developed a serious health condition as a result of overexertion on the job.
This list could have gone on to include burn accidents, trench collapses, lead poisoning, or respiratory diseases. In the end, it’s fair to say that construction work is no easy feat. It may be time to dispel the misconception according to which construction workers are “unskilled” labor; their line of work is one that requires the most training, preparation, and training. Sadly, too many lives are injured or lost every year as a consequence of poor preparation, inexperience, or various malfunctions.