Construction Accidents

Contruction Accident Injuries

Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. According to the U.S. Department of Labor- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), one of every five workplace fatalities is a construction worker. Because of the dangerous nature of construction work, injuries are often serious and life-threatening. The most common causes of construction deaths are falls, struck-by accidents, electrical accidents, and caught-between (trenching) accidents.

Construction Accident Statistics

Information below provided by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2009 there were 816 construction worker deaths. Among these:

• 150 fatalities involved building construction workers. Of these:
  • 6 were highway deaths
  • 49 were falls
  • 9 were struck-by deaths

• 167 fatalities involved heavy and civil engineering construction workers. Of these:
  • 14 were highway deaths
  • 7 were falls
  • 13 were struck-by deaths
• 167 fatalities involved specialty trade contractor workers. Of these:
  • 10 were highway deaths
  • 39 were falls
  • 9 were struck-by deaths

Common Causes of Accidents

Information below provided by the U.S. Department of Labor- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

• Electrical Incidents- Approximately 350 electrical-related fatalities occur each year. Types of electrical incidents include:
  • Contact with Power Lines
    • Fatal electrocution is the main risk, but burns and falls from elevations are also hazards
  • Issues with ground-fault protection
    • This can cause electrical burns, explosions, fire, or death
  • Improper use of Equipment
    • Human error can cause severe injury or death
• Falls- Half of all fatal falls occur in construction. Additionally, falls from elevation account for one third of all deaths in construction. Causes of falls include:
  • Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings, and Floor Holes
    • Unprotected openings can cause falls or falling objects
    • This can cause injuries ranging from sprains and concussions to death
  • Improper Scaffold Construction
    • 2.3 million construction workers, or 65% of the construction industry, work on scaffolds frequently
    • Protecting workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year
  • Unguarded Exposed Steel Rebars
    • Most accidents involving steel rebars occur when a worker falls on an exposed rebar, impaling himself/herself
  • Misuse of Portable Ladders
    • 24,882 injuries and 36 fatalities occur each year due to falls from stairways and ladders used in construction
• Struck-By- One in four "struck by vehicle" deaths involve construction workers, more than any other occupation. Struck-by deaths are caused by:
  • Vehicles
    • Approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes
  • Falling/Flying Objects
    • Highway construction workers are often involved in dangerous steel erection work
    • 56,000 steel erectors continue to suffer 35 fatal accidents per year
  • Falling Masonry Walls
    • Masonry walls, often used in highway construction can cause severe injury or death
    • Most incidents occur when jacks or lifting equipment are used to position slabs and walls, or when shoring is required until structures can support themselves
• Caught in-between (Trenching) - The fatality rate for excavation work is 112% higher than the rate for general construction. Common causes of trenching/excavation deaths include:
  • No Protective System
  • Failure to Inspect Trench and Protective Systems
  • Unsafe Spoil-Pile Placement
  • Unsafe Access/Egress

Other Accident Causes

• Unsafe Working Conditions
  • Safety code violations
  • OSHA violations
  • Improper site design or inspection
• Dangerous Work Areas
  • Roadway safety defects
  • Faulty stairs
  • Slips and falls/trip and falls
  • Ceiling tile failures and wall tile failures
• Explosions
  • Inhalation injuries
  • Fires/Burns
  • Toxic chemical exposure
• Defective Equipment
  • Anchor bolt failures
  • Defective power tools
  • Improperly stored materials

Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of construction accident litigation. Our team has extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. Your choice does matter. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries because of a construction accident, call Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.