Being in the construction industry carries significant risks. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 3.3 million injuries and illnesses occurred in the construction industry in 2009, making it one of the most dangerous industries for work. While there are dangers at every turn on a construction site, there are three injuries that occur more often than any other type on the job.
For more on-the-job accidents, read “Most Common Accidents in the Workplace.”
Falls (Including Slip and Falls)
Construction sites often have workers standing up on tremendous heights with little to no support. A worker can fall from a crane, roof, ladder, scaffolding, and other open heights at work. Even with a safety harness and helmet, the injuries can be significant and equipment can fail, causing a fall to be more serious than it should have been. Falls are the most common cause of injury and death in the construction injury.
Slips and falls are very common, too. While they do not often risk a person’s life, these slips and falls could cause head injuries, trauma to the spinal cord, and of course, broken bones. With all of the stray tools, materials, uneven ground and debris on a construction site, it is no surprise construction workers report hundreds of slip and fall injuries each year.
Burns and Scalding
Burns and scalding can occur in various ways on a construction site. Construction workers are exposed to hazardous materials, leaking pipes, exposed wires, flammable chemicals, and more. Burns may be chemical related, from a fire or even electrocution. In some cases a construction worker could be severely scalded from an open steam pipe or even faulty equipment. Burns can range from first degree up to a life-threatening third degree.
Heat Stroke or Exposure
Believe it or not, heat stroke and overexertion are very common for construction workers. They spend hours, laboring in extreme weather conditions, including humid or hot conditions and even snow. Because the construction industry demands year-round work, employees in the industry are at high risk for exposure and heat stroke. These conditions can lead to heart, kidney, and brain damage and in serious cases, death if left untreated.
Injured on a Construction Site? Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been injured on the job, you should qualify for workers compensation. Insurance companies do not make it easy to file a claim, and if your work-related injury was due to another party’s negligence or defective parts, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. today. We have helped countless construction workers and their families receive compensation for injuries and losses related to the job. We offer free consultations, so schedule your appointment now by calling us at 561-687-5660.