Construction sites are filled with potential danger. Heavy equipment, tight spaces, hazardous materials, and confined visibility are a few factors that can result in construction accidents. Construction workers face threats from a variety of hazards on almost a daily basis. They are nearly 20 times more likely to be injured on the job than in any other industry. Not only do those in the construction industry have one of the highest fatality rates of any occupation, but they face danger daily. These accidents most often take the form of these five:
1. Falling Off a Ladder
Construction workers who use ladders regularly have one of the highest workplace injury rates. Over 40,000 workers are injured yearly by falling off ladders, scaffolds, or other construction equipment. While most of these injuries are minor, thousands of workers yearly suffer broken bones or head trauma because they work at an unsafe height. As a general rule, you should never stand on a ladder that isn’t fully extended. Standing on a ladder increases the risk of falling while also putting you in a more dangerous position. Stepping away from a ladder and onto a nearby surface is the safest way to work at heights.
2. Struck by a Falling Object
Many construction workers are injured each year after being struck by a falling object. In addition to losing their lives, many workers suffer debilitating injuries such as broken bones, concussions, and spinal damage after being hit by falling equipment, tools, scaffolding, or other construction materials. There are several ways you can reduce the risk of being struck by a falling object. The most obvious is to avoid working in areas where falling items are likely to land. You can also create a safe zone by tying down loose equipment or unsecured scaffolding. If you cannot secure loose items, you should consider wearing protective gear such as helmets and safety vests.
3. Being Hit by a Vehicle or Equipment
Many construction workers are injured yearly because they were struck by a vehicle, heavy equipment, or another type of construction vehicle. Because the average construction site is only 1,500 square feet, accidents are more likely to occur during an active construction project than on almost any other work site. Fortunately, many of these accidents can be prevented by following simple safety procedures. While on the job site, always look for incoming vehicles or other types of equipment. Ensure your fellow workers understand that they must also check for incoming equipment.
4. Falls From Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a common sight at almost any construction site. While it can be an incredibly useful tool for construction workers, scaffolding is also one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry. Each year, more than 100 workers fall from scaffolding and suffer fatal or critical injuries leading to long-term health problems. To reduce the risk of falls from scaffolding, you should always follow OSHA regulations. You should also ensure that you’re using the proper equipment and that your scaffolding is properly constructed and maintained.
5. Hand or Finger Injuries
Construction workers suffer more than 4,000 amputation injuries every year. Many of these amputations result from hands and fingers caught in power tools or machinery. Surprisingly, most of these injuries can be prevented by following simple safety procedures. Before you start any project, you should always inspect your tools and machinery for loose screws, broken parts, or other dangerous defects. It would be best if you also were sure to use all safety features on your tools and follow all instructions for safe operation.
Conclusion
Construction workers are at risk of injury every day, and the risk is even higher if they aren’t following proper safety procedures. While the number of construction accidents may seem high, the good news is that most of these accidents are preventable. Following OSHA safety regulations and taking extra precautions on the job site can reduce the risk of injury. If you need legal aid after an accident, it would be best to seek a Bronx construction accident attorney for help.
