Construction work is a dangerous field. It is one of the most hazardous sectors, where the workers face risks on a daily basis, involving heavy machinery and high elevations, among other things. The construction industry is necessary, but it also comes with a list of hazards. Unfortunately, construction workers account for a substantial portion of workplace injuries and fatalities. This begs the question, what is the highest cause of injury for construction workers?
Common Construction Injuries
Construction workers face all kinds of injuries. This is due to the intensely risky nature of the job. Some common construction injuries include:
- Being struck by objects. This includes being struck by falling objects, such as tools or debris, especially when working at high heights. Some injuries also include being struck with heavy machinery, such as equipment or construction vehicles.
- Close contact with live electrical wires can cause electric shocks that can sometimes be fatal. These injuries are also prevalent for people who work near power lines that are either overhead or buried underground.
- Construction workers often have to work from high heights. This increases the risk of falling and suffering a major injury.
- Construction work includes a lot of physical labor. There is a lot of lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying heavy objects on a daily basis. This can lead to injuries. These repetitive tasks can cause strain on the muscles, especially the back, shoulders, and knees.
The Leading Cause of Injuries
While construction workers are at risk of all kinds of injuries, falls are the highest cause of injury and fatalities. It is one of the top four construction worker accidents declared by OSHA. The other three include being struck by objects, electrocutions, and being caught in/between incidents. However, falls top of the list.
Falls can come from high heights or working on the floor. High heights are generally the most dangerous and most common. This includes falling from ladders and roofs. Falls on the same level happen when someone trips or slips and falls on flat surfaces. This can happen because of slippery flooring, uneven ground, or objects on the floor.
What Causes Falls
There are a few factors that contribute to the occurrence of falls. Some of these factors include:
- Poor safety measures. Construction workers should have proper fall protection systems in place, such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.
- Faulty equipment. Defective ladders, scaffolds, and other equipment can lead to accidents.
- Unsafe work environments. There are times when safety protocols are broken, either due to lack of training or to save time.
- Environmental hazards. Wet, icy, or windy conditions can increase the risk of falls.
When You Might Need Legal Counsel
Construction companies are obligated to make sure their workers are safe. There are regulations in place that are implemented to protect workers from falls and other injuries. When a construction company does not adhere to proper safety protocols, it can result in penalties, including fines.
Employers are responsible for providing safety equipment, including fall protection gear. They also have an obligation to ensure that the equipment is being used correctly. It is an employer’s responsibility to provide proper safety training to inform their workers about potential hazards and the proper safety practices. In addition to this, employers should provide periodic safety inspections to ensure that all their safety measures are up-to-date.
When these conditions are violated, and you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation. In this case, the help of a Palm Desert construction accident lawyer would be incredibly beneficial. A lawyer is aware of your rights as a worker. Workers are entitled to a safe workplace that is free from hazards. They are entitled to receive clear training. Workers also have a right to report workplace hazards without fear of retaliation or losing their jobs.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Injury Suffered by Construction Workers?
A: The most common cause of injury suffered by construction workers is falls. Construction workers are often at risk of falling from high places such as ladders, buildings, and scaffoldings, which can cause broken bones, fractures, and back injuries. They are also at risk of falling from level ground as a result of slippery floors, uneven pavement, or ground obstructions.
Q: What Is the Number One Killer of Construction Workers?
A: The number one killer of construction workers is falls from heights. This accounts for the highest number of deaths in construction. This is because workers often work on ladders, scaffolds, and roofs of tall buildings. This increases the risk of falling and incurring serious injuries and even death. When there is a lack of proper safety protocols, this increases the risk of falls.
Q: What Is the Deadliest Construction Job Hazard?
A: The deadliest construction job hazard is working on high heights, which typically includes jobs related to roofing and high-rises. This is because falls from heights account for most of the injuries and injury-related construction deaths. Working at high heights requires certain significant safety measures in order to ensure the safety of the workers, including guardrails and safety nets.
Q: What Tool Used in Construction Is the Leading Contributor to Death and/or Injury?
A: One of the tools used in construction that is one of the leading contributors to death and/or injury is ladders. This happens for a number of reasons, including faulty or defective ladders, the improper use of ladders, setting up a ladder improperly, or stepping on a ladder that is not secured. This can result in falls that can cause serious injury or even death.
Contact English Lloyd & Armenta Today
Falls remain the leading cause of injury and death among construction workers, but in most cases, they are preventable. Employers are obligated to adhere to safety guidelines in order to provide a safe work environment to construction workers. When they do not, and it results in injury, a worker may be entitled to compensation.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident as a result of negligence, contact English Lloyd & Armenta today to speak with someone today.