Construction work is some of the most physical demanding work people can do. While there are a number of tools and regulations that can minimize the impact of and exposure to injury-causing accidents, there are still a disproportionate number of construction workers hurt or killed on the job.
Many construction-related injuries are relatively minor; they can be treated with some rest, icing and aspirin. Others, however, are far more serious and require extensive treatment or surgery. Sometimes, these injuries prove to be fatal. Below are some of the most severe – and unfortunately common – types of construction injuries.
- Falls: Workers can fall off scaffolding or be struck by falling objects on a worksite.
- Electrocution: Exposed wiring and faulty electric work can lead to serious burns and electrocution injuries.
- Construction vehicle accidents: Whether workers are struck by a car while performing road construction or hurt by a crane or other construction vehicle on a jobsite, the potential for a vehicle-related accident is very real for workers.
- Getting stuck or crushed: Scaffolding collapses, getting a body part stuck in a machine or being crushed by heavy equipment can cause severe injuries.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, these are four of the deadliest types of accidents in the construction industry. Every year, more than 600 workers die as a result of these so-called “fatal four.”
Whether a construction worker’s injuries are fatal or not, they can be devastating. In the event of any injury-causing accident, it can be crucial for victims and their families to understand their right to pursue damages. This can be through a workers’ compensation claim and/or through a personal injury claim against a negligent party. For details on these and other types of legal claims, it can be wise to consult an attorney.