Construction work is inherently dangerous, with workers facing all kinds of hazards any time they clock in. In fact, the construction industry is the most dangerous in the country according to OSHA, with over 10,000 severe work-related injuries every year. Understanding the most common injuries can help workers stay safe and employers improve safety measures. Here are the top five most common construction injuries:
1. Fall Injuries
Fall injuries are the most common type of injuries in the construction industry with a rate of 22.6 injuries per 10,000 full-time workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Falls can happen due to:
- Unstable scaffolding
- Unprotected edges
- Improper use of ladders
- Lack of fall protection equipment
- Slippery or uneven surfaces
- Inadequate training on safety procedures
Falls can lead to injuries of various levels of severity. A slip and fall could easily cause minor injuries like sprains and scrapes. More severe falls could create broken bones, back injuries, and neck injuries. A devastating fall, such as one from a crane or a tall construction site, could cause traumatic brain injuries or even death. Victims may face long-term disability, extensive medical bills, and lost wages during recovery.
2. Struck by an Object Injuries
Construction workers often suffer injuries when being struck by an object. Around 5,000 struck-by injuries happen every year in construction sites, of which around 100 are fatal, according to the CDC. These injuries happen when workers are hit by falling tools, materials, or debris due to improperly secured loads, equipment malfunctions, or careless handling of materials.
Injuries from being struck by objects range from minor bruises to severe head trauma or crushed limbs. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may need to undergo surgery, work through extensive physical rehabilitation, or face permanent disability. Even seemingly minor incidents can cause concussions or other traumatic brain injuries, especially if the worker wasn’t wearing a helmet and received a blow to the head. These injuries can be very expensive, as medical procedures and rehabilitation can leave injured workers with years of ongoing treatment.
3. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Some of the most common construction site accidents are among the hardest to identify. Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) happen after performing the same motions repeatedly over a long period of time. This repetition can strain muscles, tendons, and joints, which can eventually lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and other RSIs. Hammering, drilling, or operating vibrating equipment for multiple hours a day over an extended period can lead to these conditions. While not typically fatal, these injuries can impact a worker’s quality of life and ability to continue working on construction sites.
These injuries tend to develop slowly and cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and potential disability. Treatment generally involves physical therapy, medication, or even surgery, potentially requiring extended time off work. The trickiest part of these types of injuries is that workers may not realize the extent of the damage until it’s too late, at which point they might be dealing with a severe injury.
4. Electrocution Injuries
Electrocutions are some of the most common injuries in the construction industry. In fact, 61% of all electrocutions occurred in the construction industry, according to data from the CDC. Contact with exposed wires, faulty equipment, or power lines can easily cause an electrocution. The risk of being electrocuted is even higher when working in wet conditions or with improper grounding.
Even minor electrocutions can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, nerve damage, or even death. Survivors can face lengthy recoveries, potential long-term health issues, and significant medical expenses. Plus, these injuries can cause severe scarring and disfigurement, which could cause extensive psychological injuries like loss of enjoyment of life or low confidence.
5. Caught-In or Between Injuries
Getting caught between heavy machinery, vehicles, or construction materials is an unfortunately common type of accident on construction sites. These injuries are responsible for about 5% of all worker deaths in the construction industry and typically happen while workers are operating heavy machinery or during trench collapses.
These types of accidents can cause crushed limbs, internal organ injuries, or suffocation. A construction site victim may require amputations, surgeries, and extensive physical rehabilitation, which can lead to lifelong medical care and lost earning potential. An accident like this could trigger an intense psychological reaction, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges that can make it difficult for the worker to return to their profession after the injury.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Injured Construction Workers
When construction workers suffer injuries on the job, it can be difficult to understand their legal rights and responsibilities. While workers’ compensation covers most workplace injuries, the types of damages injured workers are eligible for can be significantly lower than those available in a personal injury lawsuit, as workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic damages. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and determine whether you can file a viable personal injury lawsuit for your construction site injury.
A skilled construction accident attorney can:
- Determine all potential sources of compensation, including workers’ compensation, third-party claims, and product liability lawsuits.
- Gather and preserve evidence to support your claim.
- Stay on top of important deadlines to avoid missing the statute of limitations.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to help you obtain fair compensation for your damages.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Perhaps most importantly, an experienced attorney understands the long-term impacts of a construction injury. Settling for less than you might need for your long-term medical expenses could limit your ability to obtain additional compensation in the future. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you secure compensation for immediate medical bills, ongoing care, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
