Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are one of the most dangerous working places.  In 2011, of the about 5,711,000 individuals who were employed as construction workers in the U.S., 781 suffered fatalities in work-related incidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly four workers out of 100 sustained on-the-job injuries, which resulted in days away from work, job restrictions or transfers. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports that there were 3,945 worker fatalities in private industry in 2012. Of that number, 775 or 19.6% were in construction.

The fatality rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average for all industries, so it is vital for all employers and employees to be aware of the common causes of construction site accidents in order to ensure that proper safety precautions are in place to prevent injuries.

The following are the common causes of accidents at construction sites:

·         Lack of fall protection for workers on elevated structures

·         Lack of protection for people on the ground from falling objects

·         Tripping hazards from construction materials and debris

·         Missing guards or protections on power tools

·         Unsafe equipment

·         Lack of safety precautions when working near power lines

·         Lack of protection for workers in trenches

·         Unsafe property conditions

·         Negligence

New York Labor Law §240(1), also known as the Scaffold Law, provides protection to construction workers from elevation-related risks. The law seeks to protect workers from injuries sustained from falls and being struck by falling objects, which are the top two most common causes of deaths in the construction industry.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a construction site accident, contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced construction accident attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive your rightful compensation.