Roughly 10% of all workplace injuries occur on construction sites. Due to the nature of the work, accidents are going to happen. It is important to be aware of common accidents, and alert while in a construction site.
Typical Work Site Injuries
Some injuries are more common than others. The most common work site injuries include:
- Fractures;
- Burns, cuts, and lacerations;
- Paralysis;
- Severed limbs;
- Spinal cord injuries; and
- Traumatic brain injuries.
Common Causes
Due to the hazardous nature of the profession, construction professionals should be aware of the common causes of construction site injuries.
- Fires and Explosions – Construction sites are particularly vulnerable to fires and explosions because of the presence of items such as unfinished electrical systems and dangerous chemicals.
- Falls – Roughly 20 to 30% of construction injuries arise due to falls.
- Falling Items – Unsecured, elevated items such as construction tools and materials are common on construction sites. These items can lead to severe injuries if accidentally dropped or dislodged.
- Equipment Mishaps – Heavy equipment is typically present on construction sites. Unfortunately, the power generated by equipment such as cranes and bulldozers increases the dangers associated with their use. When these items malfunction or are misused, serious injuries occur.
- Vehicle-related Accidents – Vehicle accidents are common sources of worksite injuries. A particularly common cause of injury is known as a “backover”, which refers to a person being struck by a vehicle while it is backing up. Vehicle collisions are particularly prevalent on worksites near busy streets.
If you are victim of a construction site injury, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
For further information or to schedule a free initial consultation call 866.452.3741 or visit www.merdes.com. The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are; and while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do.
