Every year, construction accidents cause a significant number of injuries and fatalities around the world. Construction sites are filled with potential hazards that can cause harm to workers, visitors, and passersby. These dangers can range from falls and electrocutions to being struck by objects and getting caught in between equipment or materials.

Identifying the most common construction accidents is crucial to preventing them and ensuring the safety of everyone on or near a construction site. In this article, we will explore the most frequent types of construction accidents, their causes, and how they can be avoided.

The Fatal Four

Construction sites are known for hosting a wide range of accidents and injuries, some of which are more serious than others. Due to the commonality of these injuries, it’s important to always seek a lawyer before moving forward. Get in touch with a construction accident lawyer at Shulman & Hill for the professional experience needed.

Among construction accidents, four are particularly dangerous and frequently occur. These are referred to as “the fatal four” due to their potentially fatal consequences: falls, electrocutions, getting caught in equipment or machinery, and being struck by an object. Below, we will go over these “fatal four” accidents in detail, and inform you of what their injuries are.

Falls

Falls are the most common type of injury among the various accidents that occur on these sites in fact, they are responsible for about 35% of all construction accidents. These falls often happen when workers fall from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, chimneys, or other high structures. The severity of the fall depends on the distance from the ground and the circumstances of the incident.

Although safety equipment can help reduce the damage caused by falls, it is not always in place. Due to the nature of construction work, implementing the necessary safety measures is often challenging which could account for the high incidence of falls.

Workers continually create new structures from scratch and have to deal with various types and scales of worksites, making safety measures difficult to implement.

Electrocutions

Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and one of the most common yet dangerous incidents that occur is electrocution. This is especially true when working near power lines and power sources. It only takes a small mistake or lapse of judgment to hit a power line with machinery or equipment accidentally, and the consequences can be devastating.

Even though there are precautions and warning signs in place to remind workers to be careful, it’s important to remember that accidents can still occur. That’s why it’s smart for construction workers to always be vigilant and follow safety protocols.

Simple things like checking for power lines before beginning work, using non-conductive tools, and wearing protective gear can go a long way in preventing electrocution on job sites.

Getting Caught in Equipment or Machinery

On the job site, the equipment can pose a significant hazard for construction workers. These workers use heavy machinery that has the capacity to cause grave harm if not handled properly. While contractors and supervisors must provide adequate training on using such equipment, accidents can and do happen.

Whether it’s due to equipment malfunctions or the lack of proper training, the end result can be devastating. In some cases, a worker who lacks training takes it upon themselves to use the machinery, endangering themselves and their colleagues. This is why it’s essential for all workers to receive proper training and for managers to ensure that all machinery is in good working order.

Being Struck by an Object

The last accident considered one of the fatal four is being struck by an object on the job site. This can occur when tools or materials fall from heights, equipment malfunctions and sends objects flying, or workers improperly handle objects. These incidents can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, or even fatalities.

Construction companies must implement and enforce safety protocols to prevent these accidents from happening. This includes providing workers with proper safety equipment, ensuring equipment is properly maintained and operated, and educating workers on safe handling practices.

Other Injuries that Are Common on Construction Sites

Construction sites are known to be one of the most hazardous workplaces. Aside from the major injuries, such as falls and being struck by falling objects, there are other common injuries that construction workers are prone to. This includes machinery accidents, which account for a significant percentage of construction site-related injuries.

Operating heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts, pose a high risk of accidents due to operator error, machinery malfunction, and poor maintenance. Vehicle accidents are another common type of injury on construction sites, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Workers who operate vehicles are at risk of being involved in collisions, as well as being struck by vehicles.

Repetitive motion injuries are also prevalent in construction, with workers performing the same tasks repeatedly, causing strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Lastly, ground collapses also threaten the safety of workers on construction sites. These incidents are often caused by digging deep trenches or drilling deep holes without following the proper safety protocols. These types of injuries highlight the need for proper training, supervision, and safety measures to prevent potential accidents on construction sites.

Have Been You Injured on the Job?

Construction sites remain one of the most hazardous workplaces worldwide. Workers are exposed to a host of dangers, including falls, equipment malfunctions, electrocution, falls, and more, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Employers have a duty of care to ensure that their work sites are safe and secure from hazards and risks. On the other hand, workers need to be mindful of their safety and follow the prescribed safety protocols to avoid workplace accidents.

Overall, the safety and well-being of workers need to be a top priority for everyone involved in the construction industry.