Common Construction Accidents and How to Avoid Them

As someone in the construction industry, you’re aware of the risks associated with your job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), over 20 percent of all worker-related fatalities in the U.S. are from construction. Studies reveal that thousands of construction workers are injured each year in Florida. Construction sites are high-risk due to the nature of the job. Nevertheless, accidents can be avoided if you know the most common hazards of the job and what to do to prevent injuries. Keep reading to learn more.

5 Common Construction Accidents

Because construction sites are considered “high risk” sites, there are many ways a worker can potentially get into an accident. Some accidents have been cited more than others, but in general, the most common types of accidents can include:

Falls from heights/slip and falls: Many construction workers do their jobs at high locations, such as rooftops, and the top of ladders. This can lead to serious falls and is the number one cause of construction accidents. Slip and falls from objects on the ground are also common and can produce broken bones and sprains. 

Machinery: Dangerous machinery is necessary to complete projects but it can lead to serious injuries on the job. Oftentimes, the machinery malfunctions or workers may not handle the machinery properly. 

Common machinery that can cause accidents are jackhammers, bulldozers, cranes, nail guns, and other power tools. Motorized vehicles can also lead to risk, particularly when used incorrectly. 

Fallen debris: With ongoing construction, it’s common for debris, such as scaffolding to unexpectedly fall from high locations, injuring workers below. Even with all the extra safety headgear workers are required to wear, these injuries are severe and can have a lasting impact on your brain’s health.

Electrocutions: Exposed wires and the use of electrical equipment are common during construction and can lead to electrocutions. 

Forklifts: Forklifts can be a challenge to operate and maneuver throughout a construction site. Because they are almost always used on construction jobs, workers are often at risk of being seriously injured by forklifts. Though some injuries may be caused by user-error, equipment does malfunction and it can lead to injury.

Unfortunately, accidents don’t begin and end here. There are many other ways construction workers can be injured on the job. Although accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are precautions you can take to prevent serious injury. 

How to Avoid Accidents

Proper Training: The first step to preventing accidents is to provide safety training. All employees should be fully trained in safety protocol and the potential hazards of the job. If the worker is not qualified to handle certain equipment, such as a forklift or jackhammer, they shouldn’t operate it. It’s a good idea to have daily meetings to remind your workers of the risks associated with the job and the importance of safety practices. It also wouldn’t hurt to make them provide poof up up-to-date training. 

Wear Protective Clothing: Construction workers should always wear the appropriate gear for every job and employers must enforce this. This includes hard hats, goggles, gloves, steel-toed shoes, and high-visibility clothes. Never take protective clothing for granted while on the job, as it can lead to serious accidents or even death. 

Use Serviceable Equipment: It’s important to know that the equipment you’re using is in a good working order and will not malfunction and put you at risk. Ensure all equipment is serviceable before using it.   

Use Caution: As a construction worker, you know how dangerous your job can be. Because of this, apply caution in everything you do. Be aware of the visible hazards and anything that’s potentially dangerous. Don’t try to cut corners or take important things for granted, like wearing protective clothing. 

Contact A to Z with Any Legal Questions or Concerns!

Consult with a construction accident attorney in Miami if you have been injured on the job. You may receive more than your worker’s compensation in damages. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with a variety of accident and injury cases such as this, and we won’t charge you a fee until we win your case.