Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. According to reports, they have a 75% higher chance of a serious injury than other careers. Since 2014, construction accidents have been on the rise. However, it is important to know that help is available.
Common Construction Accidents
According to the National Safety Council there are specific dangers commonly found on a worksite. Some of these hazards could be due to the negligence of the company that runs the site. These include falls, falling objections, electrocutions, crush injuries, building collapses, respiratory diseases, and others like heat stroke.
Falls
Many times a worker needs to access tall heights, which demand the use of ladders, scaffolding, roofs, cranes, and other equipment. If not properly maintained, it will increase the risk of a fall. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls are the top cause of construction worker deaths and injuries in the U.S at almost 40% of all construction worker fatalities.
Falling Objects
A construction site is very busy with many things going on at once. This dramatically increases the risk of objects falling like unsecured tools, equipment, and building materials. When an object falls, there could be minor injuries like a cut or bruise. However, many are seriously injured and develop brain injuries or die.
Electrocutions
Many construction workers also get electrocuted on the job. The most common occurrence of this injury is when a worker comes into contact with overhead power lines or exposed wires in an unfinished electrical system. The fault could also be with a supervisor who did not properly train a worker in electrical safety.
Crush Injuries
A crush injury or backover accounts for only 8% of construction injuries. However, these injuries can be the most fatal or bring a lifetime of complications. A crush injury is when a worker is either run over by a piece of heavy equipment, trapped, crushed by a machine, or even caught when a structure collapses.
Respiratory Diseases
When workers construct a building, dust and dangerous particles can be in the air. These can cause respiratory diseases like mesothelioma. When a worker drills, cuts into brick, or even mix concrete, dust-like silica can float through the air and lodge in the lungs. After a time, this could cause many breathing issues.
Free Consultation
When injured in a construction accident, recovery can be costly both physically and emotionally. Many have mounting medical bills, rehabilitation costs, loss of wages, and emotional distress. It is important to address a construction accident quickly since legal recourse could only be available for a short time. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has over 20 years of experience helping the injured. We specialize in a hands-on approach to ensure that we meet every aspect of your case with compassion and diligence. We have recovered multi-million dollar rewards for our clients. Therefore, call today to find out how we can help you as well.