Construction workers are exposed to a wide array of hazards on job sites, leading to a variety of injuries, some of which can be severe or even fatal. This line of work, which often involves working at heights, the use of powerful machinery and heavy lifting, is inherently dangerous.
Recognizing and understanding these construction injuries are critical to implementing more effective safety measures and protocols, as well as helping construction workers to advocate for their safety-related rights in the event that an employer is failing to protect them from unnecessary risks.
Falls from heights
Falls are among the leading causes of injury in the construction industry because workers are at risk of falling from scaffolding, ladders, roofs or through temporary floors. These accidents can result in many different injuries, including those to the spinal cord and brain, depending on the height and nature of the fall. Safety harnesses, guardrails and proper training on working at heights are essential preventive measures.
Struck-by and caught-between incidents
Workers can be struck by moving vehicles, falling objects or swinging construction materials. These incidents can lead to fractures, lacerations and crush injuries. Caught-between hazards, where workers can be pinned between equipment and a solid object or caught in machinery, pose risks of amputations, crush injuries or death. Critical safety practices are ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), securing loads and maintaining safe distances from moving equipment.
Electrocution
Electrocution risks arise from direct contact with live electrical wires, malfunctioning power tools, or accidental contact with underground or overhead power lines. Electrical burns, cardiac arrest, and neurological damage are potential outcomes of such accidents. Lockout/tagout procedures, proper use and maintenance of electrical equipment, and awareness of electrical hazards can help mitigate these risks.
Construction workers deserve a safe working area, regardless of where their job site is located. When they do suffer an injury at work, they should seek immediate medical care for evaluation and treatment. The expenses of this effort, as well as certain other benefits, should be covered by workers’ compensation. It may behoove these workers to have legal representation to handle matters if they aren’t getting what they’re due because of their work-related injury.
