5 Common Construction Site Injuries

The construction industry carries a high risk of injury due to the nature of the work, as well as the tools and machinery construction workers use to complete their tasks. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in every 10 construction workers is injured annually.

Construction accidents can result from many different causes. Let’s take a look at the 5 most common types of construction site injuries, and what can be done to prevent them.

1. Falls

The most common construction site injury is a fall. Construction workers are often required to work at extreme heights, such as on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, boom lifts, etc. OSHA found that falls account for 39% of all on-the-job deaths of construction workers.

Wearing proper footwear, removing potential fall hazards, and refraining from running are just 3 of the many precautions that should be taken to avoid falls on a work site.

2. Struck by an Object

Construction workers who were hit by an object accounted for 804 construction worker deaths from 2011-2015. Construction workers may be struck by swinging, falling, flying, or rolling objects. 

Most struck-by injuries can be avoided by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, like hardhats and safety glasses, and by staying alert and aware of surroundings.

3. Electrocutions

Construction sites use many electric tools and often include exposed wiring, power lines, and unfinished electrical systems. Wet conditions, and even something as simple as improper use of an extension cord can lead to electrocutions.

As an employee, you should undergo extensive health, safety, and hazard prevention training. Electrical wires and units should be properly insulated. Additionally, the equipment, environment, and work practices should be OSHA compliant.

4. Caught-In/Between

Caught-in/between accidents occur when a worker’s body is caught, crushed, squeezed, compressed, or pinched between two or more objects.

The best way to avoid these injuries is to stay aware of surroundings and follow proper guarding guidelines for equipment. Employees should also never place themselves between a piece of heavy equipment and an immovable object, or place their hands or body parts near moving parts.

5. Eye Injuries

Eye injuries are the 5th most common construction site injury. Construction has a higher eye injury rate than any other industry, causing workers to miss work, and potentially lose their eyesight.

If your eye becomes irritated by fumes or chemicals, immediately and gently rinse it out with water. Some construction sites have a “rinse aid” which may also be used to flush out your eyes. Wearing safety goggles is the best way to protect your eyes.

Although the number of reported construction site injuries continues to decrease, the rate of injury is still significantly higher than any other industry. Our firm has over 30 years of experience handling Workers’ Compensation claims of all kinds, including those at construction sites.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.