Construction workers face hazards every day in their field of work. They are constantly exposed to heavy machinery, high elevations, and dangerous working conditions. Employers are supposed to provide safety protocols in order to protect their workers. However, when these protocols are either not in place or not followed properly, it increases the risk of injury. While there are many injuries a construction worker can sustain, what is the most common type of injury in construction?
What Causes Construction Injuries
Construction injuries happen for a variety of reasons. Construction is seen as a generally risky job. Workers are exposed to many situations that can cause injury, especially if safety measures are not exercised. When this happens, they may need the assistance of a Palm Desert construction accident lawyer. Some of the most common reasons for construction injuries include:
- Inadequate safety protocols. Whenever construction workers do not have the proper safety protocols in place, it increases the chance of injury.
- Changes in the environment. When there is inclement weather, such as fog, snow, ice, rain, or windy conditions, the risk of injury goes up.
- Defective equipment. Sometimes faulty machinery, ladders, scaffolds, and even electricity can cause injury to the workers, including falls, electrocutions, or being struck by equipment.
- Lack of training. When workers are not trained to exercise proper safety measures, this can increase the risk of injury. The risk of injury also increases if the workplace does not remain up-to-date on safety measures.
The Four Main Construction Worker Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) names four main hazards in the construction industry known as the “Fatal Four.” These hazards are responsible for the majority of injuries and deaths on construction sites.
The first hazard is falling. Construction workers often have to perform tasks at high heights, such as on ladders and roofs. Without proper fall protection, the risk of injury becomes very high.
The second major hazard is struck-by accidents, which happen when workers are hit by moving objects such as vehicles, debris, or equipment. Construction jobs often include a lot of heavy machinery, such as cranes and vehicles. This becomes a particularly dangerous hazard when safety protocols are not closely followed.
Electrocutions are the third leading cause of construction deaths. They occur when workers come into contact with live electrical wires. Some electrical wires are overhead, and some can be buried away from sight. A construction worker can also be electrocuted by faulty equipment or improperly grounded devices.
Construction workers often come into contact with exposed wiring, power sources, and power lines. These all pose significant electrocution risks if proper safety measures are not in place.
Last, being caught-in/between accidents is the fourth hazard. These involve workers being caught in, crushed, or compressed by equipment or collapsing structures. These incidents can occur when workers are trenching, excavating, or working with heavy machinery.
The Most Common Injuries
Construction workers are at risk of all kinds of injuries. However, injuries from falls are the most common type of injury in construction. Common injuries that occur due to falls include:
- Fractures and broken bones. This is one of the most common injuries that occur from construction injuries. These often occur from someone falling and landing on a part of their body to break the fall, such as their knees, arms, or wrists.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis or other serious injury. This can affect a person’s mobility and quality of life.
- Head injuries. This includes concussions and traumatic brain injuries. These are common in falls and can range in severity.
- Internal injuries. These may not be as noticeable as other injuries at first. However, issues like internal bleeding can cause problems if left untreated.
- Sprains and strains. Although these may not be as serious as other injuries, they can occur when muscles are torn during a fall.
Preventing Accidents
Preventing falls and other common construction injuries requires a proactive approach. There are multiple strategies that can be used that work all together to cultivate a safe workplace environment. Some of these tactics include:
- Safety training, including programs and regular drills, to remain up-to-date with safety procedures.
- Using proper safety equipment, including harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets, especially where the risk of fall is high.
- Implementing proper safety practices, including performing risk assessments and regularly monitoring the workplace.
- Maintaining equipment safely, including inspecting the equipment regularly and making the proper repairs as soon as they are aware of any breaks or defects.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Injury in Construction?
A: The most common cause of injury in construction is falling from heights. Construction workers often have to work at high heights, including on ladders and roofs. Their risk of injury increases when there are no safety protocols in place or when those safety protocols are not followed properly. The risk of injury in a fall also increases when equipment is faulty or defective.
Q: What Is the Most Common Hazard in Construction?
A: The most common hazard in construction is working at high heights. Hazards include tasks performed on ladders and roofs. This poses a high risk of falls. Falling is particularly dangerous because it can cause severe injuries or death if proper safety measures are not implemented and followed.
Q: What Are the Top Four Causes of Fatalities in Construction?
A: In construction, the top four causes of fatalities are called the “Fatal Four” by OSHA. These are falls from heights, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. These hazards include falls from roofs and scaffolding, workers being hit by objects or equipment, contact with live wires, and being trapped by machinery.
Q: What Is the Biggest Risk in Construction?
A: The biggest risk in construction is falling from heights. Falling is responsible for the most fatalities and injuries in construction. In order to protect workers from serious injuries and death, implementing proper fall protection and safety protocols is vital. Also, regularly checking and remaining up-to-date on these protections and protocols is important in ensuring their safety.
Contact English Lloyd & Armenta Today
In many cases, construction injuries are preventable. If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident due to the negligence of someone else, contact English Lloyd & Armenta to speak with someone today.