What are the leading causes of construction accidents?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Texas, more than 724,000 people worked in construction in Texas as of July 2021. Construction workers are at constant risk of injury for the following types of accidents:
Falls. Falls are a leading reason construction workers end up in the hospital and require time off from work. Falls may be due to uneven surfaces, surfaces that are not stable, tools and equipment on the construction surfaces, and many other reasons. Falls often occur from high heights such as scaffolds and ladders. Even with the correct footwear, falls at construction sites are very common. Falls can cause traumatic brain injuries if the worker lands on his/her head. Falls can also cause spinal cord damage, broken bones, and many other types of long-term injuries. In the most tragic cases, a worker can die due to a fall at a construction site.
Vehicle accidents. Materials such as gravel and lumber are constantly being brought into a construction site while debris and dirt are being transported away from the site. Cranes, bulldozers, and other vehicles are in constant motion at construction sites. Vehicle accidents may be caused by failing to follow traffic laws, the safety rules for operating the machinery, a lack of communication between the operators and workers nearby, and many other reasons. Construction owners need to direct traffic away from construction work, and delivery drivers need to be aware of their surroundings once on site.
Defective machinery, equipment, and tools. Workers have the right to expect manufacturers will make quality products. If their products are defective due to faulty design or improper workmanship, the manufacturer may be strictly liable for any accidents and harm that results. Construction owners need to ensure their products are safe, too. They should make sure the workers have the proper training they need to use the various construction products.
Scaffolding accidents. Scaffolding work can be very dangerous. Falls from scaffolds often result in death or catastrophic injuries. There are specific OSHA guidelines on scaffolds and scaffolding work to ensure they are used safely. Accidents happen when those rules are not followed. According to OSHA, nearly 2/3 of construction workers work on scaffolds. Nearly 60 people die, and 4,500 construction workers suffer injuries, each year from scaffold accidents.
Toxic chemical exposures. Chemical products such as asbestos can cause respiratory problems if the construction worker breathes in the chemicals. They can cause skin disorders if the chemicals come into contact with the skin, and carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in poorly ventilated sites.
Fires and explosions. Aside from the risk of sparks coming off power tools, construction site workers can be injured by onsite explosions or fires caused by live power lines, gas leaks, and more.
Struck-by accidents. There are a lot of moving parts on construction sites, and a lot of heavy objects being raised and lowered. Falling power tools, materials, and other objects can lead to catastrophic injuries.
