Leading Types and Causes of Construction Site Injuries
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries. Silverman, McDonald & Friedman is here to help injured construction workers get the compensation they need and the care they deserve. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at one of our offices in Wilmington, Seaford or Newark.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics , more than one in five work fatalities in 2016 occurred in the construction industry. About 14 construction workers were killed each day.
Using 2015 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Construction Connect summarized the causes of construction injury and illness claims as follows:
- Slips, trip and falls. Falls are very common on construction sites, especially when workers are using ladders or scaffolding. Slips or trips (which can wrench a back or cause other harm) without falling are another leading cause of injuries. Unlevel, wet, or irregular floors, steps, and stairs can easily cause broken bones, bruises, and muscle damage. Workers need to look where they’re walking and be alert for objects that might cause them to trip. Footwear should be designed to reduce skidding.
- Being struck by an object. This includes an object slipping out of a worker’s hands or the worker swinging the object and striking someone. Falling objects also caused many workers to lose time from work, as they recovered from brain injuries, crushing-related injuries, and others.
- Powered and non-powered hand tools. Nonpowered tools include knives, scissors, shovels, and hammers. Powered tools include drills, power saws, sanders and grinders. Workers should inspect the tools before using them. Gloves should be used especially with power tools.
- Parts and materials. These injuries were due to building materials, structural metal materials, pipes, ducts tubing, wood and lumber. Nails and screws and other fasteners caused 1,720 injuries alone. Wiring, generators, powerlines, and switchboards were additional injury producing factors. Protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and quality boots help protect workers. Equipment should be depowered and repaired when not in use.
- Repetitive movements by the worker. These include walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and climbing. Many workers try to do more than they should and overexert themselves. Employees should take breaks if they are tired or doing repetitive tasks. Workers should learn proper lifting techniques. Safety suggestions include stretching before starting work. Avoid sudden movements. Don’t carry heavy objects while climbing.
- Vehicle collisions. Pickup trucks and freight trucks cause numerous construction site accidents. Drivers must have valid licenses.
- Machinery. Backhoes, bulldozers, HVAC units, cranes, and other types of equipment can cause death and serious injuries. Safety suggestions include only allowing properly trained to use the machinery.
At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, our workers’ compensation lawyers represent injured construction workers and the families of workers who were killed on job sites throughout Delaware. We have a long history of success fighting for workers whose lives were altered due to a workplace accident. If you were injured at work while you were an employee, you have a strong case for benefits. Our legal team serves clients in the Wilmington, Seaford, and Newark areas. Call 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form today.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.