Common Causes of Construction Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Construction-related accidents are more common than anyone would like to admit. There are injuries and even fatalities that occur on a daily basis around the globe. The construction workers endure harsh working environments and risks to their lives in order to build things.

There is always a certain degree of risk involved in working with heavy machinery and unfinished structures; however, it’s a job that needs to be done. In today’s discussion, we will try to understand the common causes of construction accidents and the steps that can be taken to mitigate them. 

1. What are Construction Accidents 

Any accident that takes place on a construction site can be regarded as a construction accident. The ambit of a construction accident is not limited to a construction worker; rather, anyone visiting a construction site who happens to be a victim of a construction-related accident will be included. 

The liability of such an accident lies on the shoulders of the constructor, and a worker or a visitor who has been injured on their construction site can seek compensation for their injuries. There are a number of construction accidents, which will be discussed below. 

2. Accidents Caused by Falls

It can be common to work at heights when it comes to construction projects. Any building that gets erected needs to have a roof. Other than the roofing process, the walls need to be elevated properly, which can require workers to work at different heights. 

All of this comes with the risk of a worker getting injured due to a fall. A fall can occur for a number of reasons. It could be that there is a lack of safety nets or that there is no adherence to the safety protocols. The safety equipment could be worn out, which could lead to potential falls as well.

To prevent unfortunate events, it is essential to enforce safety protocols. If your employer refuses to do so, you can file a formal complaint with OSHA.

3. Heavy Equipment Injuries 

Injuries caused by heavy equipment are also common. When humans work alongside heavy machinery, they are in a very vulnerable state. In case of a mishap, the human body can be no match for any heavy equipment. Injuries caused by cranes or other heavy equipment can be life-threatening.

There is an increased chance of amputation, and overall, heavy equipment injuries can be severe. Any negligent behavior can result in a life-threatening injury for construction workers. This is why there is a need for adherence to safety protocols, such as appointing spotters when it comes to heavy machinery operations. 

4. Injuries Caused by Electrocution

Electrical work is part of any construction project. Before the interior work can begin, all the electrical work needs to be buttoned up. This includes running all the wiring and providing connections to all the switches and power outlets. 

However, the people who finish the interior work, such as drywallers, might not be familiar with electrical stuff, which can lead to electrocution. In order to make sure such an incident does not take place, there needs to be proper labeling of all electrical connections. 

The use of insulated equipment should be enforced, and all the outlets should be properly grounded. All the work must be done after the mains have been switched off to ensure a safe working environment.  

5. Falling Objects Causing Harm

At a construction site, there are a number of people working simultaneously. Some workers might be working at a height, which can make maneuverability a challenge for them. In such conditions, it can be hard to manage the tools, and it is possible that something might fall. 

A falling object can result in a serious head or spine injury for anyone present underneath. This is why safety protocols need to be enforced at construction sites. Hard hats and tool belts should be mandatory for all workers and visitors to ensure minimum injury in case of such an event. 

6. Under Construction Structural Collapses

When a building is being erected, the structure can become unstable. A structure gains stability when it gets connected at multiple points. However, during the construction phase, it can be impossible to connect all the structural points right away.

This can create an increased risk of structural collapse, which can be deadly for the people at a construction site. Similarly, when it comes to scaffolding, there can be a lack of attention to detail, which can lead to falls and structural collapses.

All of these risks can be mitigated by following proper safety precautions. By taking things slowly and ensuring stability for incomplete structures, the risk of structural collapses can be managed. 

7. Explosions and Burn Injuries 

If the construction work requires demolition or there is a need to remove giant boulders from your construction site, the use of explosives can come in handy. Explosives, when used in a controlled manner, can be very useful. They can be the safer option sometimes when it comes to demolishing big buildings.

However, if the rigging of explosives is done incorrectly or there is a lack of proper planning, things can take a disastrous turn. If there is a lack of safety protocols, people can get severely injured. Such accidents can result in second and third-degree burns, depending on the circumstances. 

To ensure safety, a demolition expert needs to plan the rigging of the explosives. In addition, proper guidelines regarding safe distances and protective gear need to be issued. 

8. Mitigation and Compensation Options 

As a construction worker, you must report unsafe working conditions to the relevant authorities. If your employer does not take action and fails to make the working environment safe, you can file a complaint against them to OSHA.

On the other hand, if you have been unfortunate enough to be injured in a construction accident, then you should consult a lawyer. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, you can discuss your matter and figure out your possible options.

You can seek compensation from your employer for your injury and suffering. Similarly, you can get compensation for things like reduced ability to work and lost wages.