7 Reasons Construction Accidents Happen
Along with mining and logging, construction ranks among the most dangerous industries to work in. The latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that some 180 workplace fatalities took placed in southern California last year, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange Counties.
Many of these deaths occurred on building sites, where long hours, challenging work environments and heavy equipment make for a perilous mix.
Construction’s Fatal Four
Most of us are familiar with OSHA’s “Fatal Four” in the construction sector – the top 4 causes of construction worker injury and death.
These are: falls, struck by object accidents, electrocutions and caught in-between accidents. On any given year, falls account for the lion’s share (nearly 40 percent) of all fatalities on building sites. Many of these falls happen at high elevations, and those who are fortunate enough to survive often do so with catastrophic injuries.
According to OSHA, some 100 construction workers are killed in the U.S. every year after being hit by an object on the work site — usually a piece of heavy equipment, building material or power tool.
The third most common cause of accidental death at construction sites is electrocution, which happens when a worker or a piece of equipment he or she is handling comes in contact with a live energy source or power line.
Crush accidents are also another risk factor for anyone working on a construction site. This can happen when heavy machinery rolls over, pinning the worker beneath; an arm or body part is caught between a moving part of equipment, or being trapped beneath a cave-in of collapsing materials.
Although construction work is inherently risky, many accidents can be avoided by taking protective measures to maintain a safe environment. How are these injuries preventable? Here are seven common reasons why construction accidents happen.
Common causes of construction accidents
Some of the most prevalent reasons construction accidents happen boil down to these 7 factors:
- Property and work conditions are unsafe
- Lack of fall protection and equipment
- Equipment and tools that are negligently maintained
- Inadequate safety training for working near power lines
- Lack of personal protective equipment
- Unmarked hazards on the jobsite
- Mechanical defects
Recover full compensation for your injuries
Most laborers who are injured on the job are told they can apply for worker’s compensation benefits. But this “no fault” insurance coverage may not be your only recourse. The Ellis Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured workers in Southern California. While a workman’s comp claim can help offset some of the economic losses, it’s rarely enough to bear the brunt of medical expenses, pain, suffering and diminished earning capacity.
For a confidential discussion about your case, call 310-641-3335 to speak with a Los Angeles construction accident lawyer who has the skill and experience to get results. The consultation is free. Reach out today for expert guidance from an award-winning law firm.
Additional Resources on Construction Accidents:
- ConstructConnect, Top Causes of Construction Accident Injuries and How to Prevent Them https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/construction-safety/top-causes-construction-accident-injuries-prevent/
- Construction World, Top 10 Tips for Preventing Accidents on Construction Sites http://www.constructionworld.org/top-10-tips-preventing-accidents-construction-sites/
- EHS Today, Dying at Work in California: 388 Workers Didn’t Come Home http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/dying-work-california-388-workers-didn-t-come-home