Having a knowledge about the causes of construction site accidents can help you prevent them. There are four main causes: Falls, Struck-by injuries, Electrocutions, and lack of proper training. What are the types of accidents at construction sites?
Struck-by injuries
Getting struck by an object can cause serious injuries. It can occur from falling objects, heavy equipment, and other objects. These accidents are usually caused by lack of training and inadequate safety precautions. It is important for workers to wear personal protective equipment and take precautions when working on construction sites.
Struck-by incidents are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries and deaths on construction sites. They have also been reported as a cause of fatalities in agriculture and office jobs.
The most common causes of nonfatal struck-by injuries include falling or flying objects, such as debris or construction materials, and powered and non-powered hand tools. Those working at heights should use lanyards and other safety devices to keep their tools from tumbling.
In addition, workers should be aware of the area where they are working, as well as the areas where heavy equipment is in operation. Many falls occur because of improper scaffolding and ladders. They can also be caused by faulty equipment and human error.
Falls
Whether you are working on a commercial construction site or on your own home, falls are a major cause of construction site accidents. Many construction site accidents are avoidable with proper safety equipment and training. In fact, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) estimates that more than a third of all deaths and injuries in the construction industry are due to falls.
Falls can occur from ladders, scaffolding, stairwells, or roofs. These falls can result in serious injuries if the worker loses their footing while working at heights.
Some of the leading causes of these falls include improper scaffolding, unsafe portable ladders, and unprotected roof edges. The best ways to prevent falls on construction sites are to provide adequate fall protection and use proper PPE.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) defines a fall as any injury sustained when a worker drops from a higher level. These can include falling debris, tools, or falling or collapsing structures.
These injuries are common on construction sites and can lead to permanent disability. Fortunately, OSHA offers a fall prevention training guide. It focuses on three key topics, including ladder safety, fall protection, and slip and falls.
Electrocutions
Occupational fatalities involving contact with electricity are the fourth leading cause of death in the construction industry. The Center for Construction Research and Training (CCRT) tracks electrocutions in the construction industry.
The most common type of electrical accident in the construction industry is contact with overhead power lines. These power lines should be de-energized before construction workers are near them. However, this protection can be lacking in some areas. The best way to prevent electrical accidents on construction sites is to follow OSHA’s safety guidelines.
Falls from elevation are also a major cause of fatalities on construction sites. These injuries can be serious and may require extensive treatment. Besides burns, these injuries can also result in disfigurement and dead tissue. If you or someone you know has been injured in an electrical accident, you may have legal options for compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrocution accident, you should seek emergency medical care as soon as possible. This is important because an electrical shock can affect the rhythmic pumping of the heart. A sudden electrical shock can result in cardiac arrest.
Lack of proper training
Almost three out of every five construction workers who died in 2012 were killed in accidents involving falling objects, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The agency defines a fall as a type of injury when an object, such as debris, construction materials, or tools, drops from a higher level.
A common cause of falls at construction sites is inadequate fall protection. This includes a lack of proper training and fall harnesses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed standards to help prevent falls.
Another leading cause of construction site injuries and deaths is electrocution. This can happen when a worker is struck by a piece of equipment that comes in contact with power lines or other electrical sources. Often, this occurs because the worker does not know about the hazards of working near electrical tools.
Injuries can also occur when a worker slips or trips on a slippery surface. These can be particularly severe, including broken bones and brain damage. To avoid these, employers should train their employees in the use of personal protective equipment and tool guards.
