Construction Accidents | Everything you need to know

Construction Injuries: Everything You Should Know

Construction sites can be dangerous places to work. The physical demands of this kind of work can be challenging. Furthermore, construction workers often use powerful machinery, climb high above ground or work by the roadside, where they could be exposed to traffic accidents. Unfortunately, construction workers face serious risks of injury due to the hazardous nature of their job. As of 2019, falls are the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction, accounting for more than one third (36.4%) of all construction fatalities. If you were hurt at work as a construction worker, you may be coping with severe medical problems, ongoing pain and financial worries due to missed work and medical bills. In Florida, construction workers who are injured on the job are protected by several laws. Understanding your rights under these laws is crucial to your physical and financial recovery. The same as workers in other fields, injured construction workers qualify for workers' compensation benefits while they are recuperating. If you're a construction worker and have been injured at your work site contact 1-888-DOCS4PI personal injury services. We provide a service that can match you with the best medical care in your region.

 

In this article we'll discuss OSHA regulations along with common construction site injuries and an overview of worker's compensation. Refer to the following sections:

 

OSHA and State Regulations

 

Common Types of Construction Injuries

 

Workers Compensation Benefits

 

Third-Party Lawsuit Claims

 

OSHA and State Regulations

 

Construction workers are protected by federal and state regulations. A large number of states have created their own standards and regulations that may be more rigorous than those of the federal government. Federal regulations are drafted and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In accordance with OSHA regulations, construction workers have the right to review safety regulations and guidelines at their workplaces, to request an OSHA inspector to inspect their work sites, and to submit anonymous complaints against their employers for possible safety violations. As part of OSHA regulations, employers also must provide employees with a workspace that is free of recognized hazards, ensure that all employees are trained properly how to use safety equipment, and ensure workers are informed of applicable health and safety requirements.

 

Common Types of Construction Injuries

 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the common causes of injuries on construction sites are:

 

Falls

 

There are two types of falls: falls from heights, which are the leading cause of construction-related fatalities, and falls on the same level , which are the leading causes of construction-related injuries. The hazards associated with a construction site are unfortunately inevitable, as there are floor and roof openings, unstable surfaces, and a reliance on scaffolds and ladders.

Between 1992 and 2005, a long-term study concluded that about 33% of fatal falls in construction happened on roofs, 18% on scaffolding, and 16% on ladders. In some of these cases, the edge of elevated work surfaces, such as roofs, scaffolds, and ladders, was left unsecured, which contributed to the fall.

 

Falls can be prevented by:

 

• Be sure to keep your work area clean, uncluttered, and well lit.
• When mounting and dismounting equipment, use three points of contact.
• Employees should wear shoes with adequate traction.
• Safety regulations for ladders must be followed (and employees must be trained to adhere to regulations).
• Safely prevent falls by using guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, and safety nets.

 

Struck by an Object

 

OSHA defines "struck by" injuries as those caused by forcible contact (such as a tool that falls from a higher level) or by impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment (such as being hit by a car). If tools, building materials, scaffolding pieces, or other supplies fall from significant heights onto workers, they can cause serious injuries. Wearing the appropriate protective equipment, like hardhats and safety glasses, and staying alert and aware can help prevent most "struck by" injuries.

 

Struck-by injuries can be avoided by clearly marked or blocked off areas. You should also:

 

• Properly stack materials to avoid falling or sliding objects.
• Avoid being close to suspended or lifted loads.
• Employees should be taught not to stand between moving and fixed objects.
• Make sure materials and tools are secure so they won't fall.
• Whenever possible, do not drive in reverse if your view is obstructed.
• Check to see if all mobile equipment has a reverse signal (backup) alarm.

 

Electrocution

 

Although electrocution can cause serious injuries such as muscle contractions, nerve damage, and cardiac arrest, burns are the most common shock-related injury. These injuries are usually caused by unsafe equipment or installations, hazardous environments, or unsafe work practices. OSHA's regulations for electrical equipment and systems cover electrical hazards, including requirements for construction and installation. Electrical injuries can be prevented with the use of insulation, guards, and protective devices as well as safe work procedures.

The following safety protocols should be followed by employees who work directly with electrical equipment:

 

• Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment
• Disconnect the equipment from a power supply when not in use
• Maintain lockout/tag procedures to ensure that equipment remains disconnected
• Protect yourself with insulating equipment
• Safely distance yourself from active parts

 

Caught In Between Accidents

 

Using heavy machinery and equipment at a construction site is another horrific risk. When the body of an employee is caught between two or more objects, it can be crushed, squeezed, compressed, or pinched. People can become trapped when materials collapse on them, a vehicle hits them against a wall, or a body part gets caught into machinery.

 

Maintaining awareness of surroundings and following proper guarding guidelines for equipment will help prevent these injuries. Employees should not:

 

• Avoid putting yourself between heavy equipment and an immovable object.
• Keep your hands and other body parts away from moving objects.
• Avoid wearing long sleeves, jewelry, or other items that can catch on moving objects.
• Avoid working near unprotected excavation areas or areas where water is collecting.
• Make sure you stay out of the swing radius of rotating objects.

 

Other common construction injuries include:

 

• Explosions or burns.

  It is still possible for exposed wires to cause fires or explosions even if they do not electrocute anyone. Gas leaks can also cause fires or explosions.

• Collapse of a trench or ground.

  Excavations on construction sites often require trenches. As a result, the ground and surrounding areas become unstable, which may end up collapsing on workers who may be near the trench.

• Overexertion.

  Construction crews are often subjected to extreme weather conditions, including high heat and humidity. The result can be dehydration, fainting, or even a stroke.

• Being struck by a vehicle.

  Speeding or distracted drivers often hit workers on highway construction sites.

 

Workers Compensation Benefits

 

The majority of employers must provide workers' compensation insurance to their workers. This type of insurance covers workers who suffer all kinds of work injuries. You are covered for an injury that occurs at your place of work or anywhere else that you had to be when performing your duties. This applies even if your employer was not at fault. It also applies even if you made mistakes that caused your workplace injury, as long as you weren't intoxicated or violating company policy.

Worker's compensation covers your medical expenses. Additionally, you can receive temporary or permanent disability benefits if you are unable to work. Total disability benefits can be awarded if you are unable to work at all. You may be entitled to partial disability benefits if you have to switch to a lower-paying job due to being on restricted duty so that some of the money you lost can be recovered. In the event of a death, dependents may also receive death benefits through worker's compensation.

 

Workers' compensation may be your only recourse against your employer. If you are injured at work, you cannot sue your employer. Nevertheless, the scope of coverage is broad and you can file a workers' compensation claim for an accident-related injury, repetitive stress injury or toxin-related illness. Aside from workers' compensation claims (which don't cover all losses that personal injury cases will), those injured on construction sites can make the following claims:

 

• The owner of the property.

  It would be a premises liability claim, or for failure to maintain a reasonable level of safety at the site.

 

• Drivers.

  The CDC notes that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S., accounting for 11 percent of construction accident fatalities. Drunk or negligent drivers would be held accountable for their actions.

 

• Government agency.

  The government is sometimes responsible for ensuring the safety of some construction sites, including public properties. Contracts dictate what they must do in these situations.

 

Third-Party Lawsuit Claims

 

You may be able to sue someone other than your employer if they caused your construction accident. As an example, if an architect was overseeing the project and his negligence caused your injury, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit. In the event that a machine or tool has been faulty, you may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer. By bringing a third-party lawsuit, you can receive compensation not available through workers' compensation, such as pain and suffering compensation. To make a successful third-party claim, you will need to demonstrate negligence or that a product, machine, or tool was defective when used as intended.

 

If you have further questions about construction site injuries, contact 1-888-DOCS4PI personal injury services.