Top 4 Fatal Construction Accidents & How to Deal With Them
Among the many fatal construction accidents that occur in the construction industry, four can prove most harmful to workers: falls, struck-by injuries, caught-in and caught-between accidents, and electrocutions. Proper training and precautions are important to keep these accidents from happening. However, these types of injuries are often overlooked.
1. Falls
Among all types of construction accidents, falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries. This is because construction sites are very messy and can present many hazards. These hazards include uneven surfaces, slick floors, tripping hazards, broken floorboards, and unfinished structures.
In addition, a fall to the lower level is much more dangerous than a fall to the same level. Having proper safety equipment and fall protection systems on-site can prevent or minimize injuries in these scenarios.
Another major cause of construction accidents is improperly mounted equipment. This includes construction equipment that is hoisted above workers' heads. Construction equipment mounted in an unsafe manner can back up into people.
Construction equipment that is not appropriately mounted can lead to several serious injuries. These injuries may require extensive medical care and prolonged absence from work.
2. Struck-by injuries
Almost a quarter of all construction site fatalities involve struck-by hazards. These injuries happen when a worker is struck by a falling object, flying object, or moving object. They can be fatal, cause severe injuries, and result in extended medical treatment.
Four main hazards can lead to struck-by accidents: falling objects, moving objects, falling debris, and powered tools. Workers must be trained to recognize these hazards and use protective equipment near heavy equipment and other moving objects. The best way to avoid strikes is to never work under a load. Also, never work under a suspended load.
The most common sources of struck-by injuries include powered and nonpowered hand tools, scrap/waste/debris, and solid building materials. The NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health and the NORA Construction Sector Council developed materials that address these four hazards.
3. Caught in and caught between accidents
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ranked caught-in and caught-between accidents as one of the four most common construction accidents in the United States. It is no surprise that this is the case, given that construction sites are some of the country's most dangerous places to work. Caught-in and caught-between accidents can occur in various circumstances, leading to debilitating workplace injuries.
Employers need to enforce safety standards and train their workers to lower construction-related fatalities. Performing regular safety inspections, enforcing proper safety procedures, and ensuring that machinery is properly supported are some steps that can help keep workers safe.
Although the construction industry has long been notorious for being dangerous, most of these accidents can be prevented. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics show that the number of fatalities associated with caught-in and caught-between accidents has increased by 10 percent since 2003.
4. Electrocutions
Hundreds of workers die each year from electrocutions in the workplace. Electrocutions are caused when a worker touches an energized object or comes in contact with a live wire. The resulting shock can cause a fall from a high place or injury to the spinal cord, brain, and limbs.
Workers in the construction industry are at an especially high risk of electrocutions. They are more likely to come into contact with power lines and electrical appliances and are also more likely to be working in a building with exposed wires.
The Center for Construction Research and Training tracks electrocutions in the construction industry. It also publishes a quarterly Data Report and a Construction Chart Book. In a recent study, researchers analyzed workplace electrical incidents and identified factors that led to electrocutions.
Significance of Proper training
Providing proper training for fatal construction accidents is a good way to ensure the safety of employees. It also reduces administrative costs, lawsuits, and insured losses. It is also a good way to make your employees feel valued.
There are many construction safety training programs available. Some of these programs are designed for specific workers, such as forklift operators and scaffolders. Others include equipment safety, harnessing, harnessing toeboards, and scaffolding safety.
One of the more common causes of workplace injuries is falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of death in construction. Falls can be caused by poor worksite housekeeping. Make sure tools are clean and that debris is piled up out of the way. Also, toeboards and guardrails can help prevent falls.
Hire a Reliable Construction Accident Lawyer Today!
Your rights will be upheld at every turn of the legal process with the assistance of an OUCH USA construction accident attorney. Please contact us at hello@ouchusa.com or +1-844-872-6824 if you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident. We are delighted to arrange a no-obligation appointment to go over your case.