4 Common Construction Site Dangers to be Aware of

Construction Accident,Personal Injury,Slip and Fall,Work Injury,Workers' Compensation - March 28, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

Construction sites are generally dangerous places to work due to the amount of heavy machinery and equipment, unstable structures and other hazards on site. Because of these risks, serious injuries and fatalities are common, and there are many accidents in this industry each year.

According to the United States Department of Labor, more than 4,500 construction site workers died on the job in 2013, which equates to an average of 88 deaths per week, or 12 deaths per day. The injury count is much higher, and dozens of construction workers sustain mild to serious injuries every day while performing their duties.
Among the more common construction accidents are:

Heavy Machinery Accidents

Heavy machinery is common on most construction sites, and trucks, loaders, cranes and forklifts cause significant injuries every year. The size of this machinery makes any injuries that they cause incredibly serious, and the medical implications of a heavy machinery accident can be extensive.

Slips and Falls

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, a significant number of people slip and fall on construction sites each year. These accidents account for the majority of fatalities. There are many reasons why a construction worker might fall while on site, including inadequate safety equipment, poor scaffolding and improper ladder maintenance.

Falling Objects

Construction helmets can save lives, but many workers still suffer serious head injuries from falling objects and debris. This is particularly problematic at large buildings, where even small objects can fall from several stories above and cause serious injuries to the workers on the ground.

Electrocution

The construction process often involves extensive wiring operations, and a multitude of people suffer serious burns and brain damage from electrocutions annually. In most of these cases, the person who suffers the electrocution was not the individual doing the wiring.
If you have suffered an injury at the workplace, you may be able to file a claim to pay for medical expenses and lost wages. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your construction site accident and advise you on how to proceed.
An experienced Chicago accident attorney can meet with you to discuss the specifics of your accident and determine if you may have grounds to submit a claim for damages. Contact us today to discuss your case, learn your rights and review your options.