Construction accidents can occur in any type of business or industry. Construction injuries are a major cause of workers’ compensation claims in the United States and lead to the top 10 causes of death on the job. These injuries occur in different ways and can cause a range of physical and emotional issues for the worker. Some occur due to tools or equipment malfunction, while others are caused by negligence on the part of another individual. Many times, they can happen simply because safety rules were not followed. Here are the types of construction accident injuries you may experience in the workplace.
1. Slip and falls
This type of injury occurs when a person slips on water, grease, or other substances on the ground in a construction area. It is one of the most common injuries and often results from an avoidable mistake. This can also include slips from scaffolding or poorly maintained equipment.
2. Contusions and abrasions
This injury occurs when an object impacts a person’s body and the soft tissues around it are bruised, torn, or otherwise damaged. It is often caused by falls and equipment mishaps.
3. Burns
This type of injury can range from minor to severe. Most often, they are caused by fires or explosions in the workplace. Burns can also occur from sparks or from injuries involving extreme heat, such as welding operations and cutting metal with an acetylene torch.
4. Repetitive stress injuries
These types of injuries can cause inflammation, pinched nerves, and muscle strains when a person repeats the same motion repeatedly. This often occurs with construction workers constantly lifting items or working on scaffolding.
5. Injuries caused by tools and equipment
Injuries from tools or equipment malfunction often result in lacerations from exposed objects, as well as blunt force trauma. They can also result in broken bones when a hand or foot slips off a tool handle or other object.
6. Electrocution
Construction workers are often in close proximity to live electrical lines or other electrical hazards. When they come in contact with this energy, they can be electrocuted. In some cases, electrocution can result in burns or heart failure if the voltage is high enough.
7. Dangerous chemicals
Most construction sites have some type of hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of properly and often safely transported off the property. These chemicals can cause health issues and lead to long-term injuries when they are not handled correctly. Construction accident attorneys in New York City are experienced in handling cases involving dangerous chemicals on the job.
8. Forklift accidents
Forklifts are commonly used during construction and other types of jobs. It is important to be aware of the safety requirements for these machines and how they operate, as well as to use a forklift correctly when operating it.
9. Terrain accidents
This type of accident can occur when workers are at altitudes higher than normal or in places with damaged, loose, or slippery material that can cause fall injuries due to a slip or trip. These accidents also occur when workers navigate through areas with structural instability problems.
10. Struck-by accidents
These accidents occur when a worker is struck by objects such as tools, debris, or materials thrown or propelled by equipment. They can also happen when a worker is struck while loading or unloading materials from a crane.
Conclusion
Construction accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities, which is why they are a major cause of workers’ compensation claims in the United States. It is important to be aware of these types of injuries to prevent them from occurring. The most effective way to do this is by following OSHA regulations and using common sense on the job. If you are injured in an accident, it is important to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney right away to understand your rights better and how you can obtain benefits for your injury.
