The construction industry is a dangerous industry where accidents happen far too often. Negligence of safety measures by way of general contractors and construction site owners can lead to worksite accidents like construction site falls, machinery accidents, and electrocutions.
As New York State construction accident attorneys, we’ve seen hundreds of cases of workers who have been injured or killed in construction site accidents that could have been prevented with proper controls. Below, we’ve provided some information on construction site accident statistics in the US, in addition to the most common construction site accidents and tips on how to prevent them from occurring.
How many workers are killed in construction accidents?
Although construction companies are required under New York State’s labor laws to inspect each construction site with safety engineers and implement safety measures, construction workers still face a greater risk of work-related injury and fatality than employees in any other U.S. industry. According to a 2019 OSHA Report, of the 4,779 worker fatalities that occurred in 2018, 21.1% were in the construction industry, or in other words, 1 in 5 of all workers deaths occured in construction. This scary statistic demonstrates the need for education on common construction site accidents and how to prevent them with safety measures and education.
What are the most common accidents on a construction site?
Depending on the location, job, machinery present, and working conditions, there are countless ways a construction worker can be seriously injured on the job. Some common types of construction site accidents include:
Construction Site Falls
Construction site falls can occur when workers are working on elevated construction sites, particularly where fall protection is either not present or installed improperly. This is particularly critical in New York State, where the New York Labor Law Section 240 contains special provisions for workers injured by or on scaffolds, ladders, hoists, stays, slings, hangers, pulleys, irons, ropes, blocks, braces and other similar devices.
Struck by Object
A construction site can have many hazards falling from above and striking workers like tools, building materials, and scaffolding. This is another accident type the NY Labor Law Section 240 singles out, protecting workers from “falling objects” at a work site where an object falls and injures a worker due to a violation of the safety provisions of that section of law.
Electrocutions
Electrical equipment, live wires, and lighting can all pose electrical threats for construction workers.
Caught In Between
There’s a lot of large heavy objects on a construction site, and whether it be building material, a piece of equipment, or machine, workers can get limbs or their whole body trapped and crushed.
Collapses, Fires and Explosions
Construction sites themselves can be a cause for concern. Trenches and excavations built for construction can lead to ground collapse, while gas lines and live wires can cause fires and explosions.
Machinery Accidents
Construction machinery has to be powerful in order to cut, move, or install building material, and accidents can occur when these machines come in contact with workers, whether it be an amputation, forklift accident, or being run over by a machine.
Vehicle Accidents
Distracted drivers may strike construction workers if proper barriers are not installed to warn and separate construction sites from drivers.
How to Prevent a Construction Site Accident
Construction has the potential to become a safer industry provided general contractors and construction site owners maintain the proper controls to prevent accidents. Some specific ways construction sites accidents can be prevented is through implementing safety equipment and education including:
- Safety training for all employees
- Daily crew safety meeting every morning
- Fall protection such as scaffolding, guardrails, toe boards, regulation ladders, etc.
- Clear signage to warn of wires and/or high voltage areas
- Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout system)
- Machinery & machine guarding
- Respiratory protection
- Eye and head protection
- Reflective or highly visible clothing
- Be aware of workers’ fatigue and hydration/eating
What Do You Do if You’re Injured in a Construction Accident in New York State?
New York State’s labor laws are very detailed. If you’ve been injured in a construction site accident, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced New York State construction accident lawyer who is educated on Sections 200, 240 and 241(6) of the New York State Labor Law to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, so that you can return to work and continue to support your family.
The attorneys at Maynard O’Connor serve clients throughout New York’s Capital District as well as Amsterdam, Catskill, Gloversville, Hudson and other areas of Upstate NY, with three convenient locations in Albany, Johnstown & Saugerties. Give our attorneys a call at (800) 721-3553 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a FREE case review today.
Related Construction Accident blogs:
Construction Safety Equipment Protects You and Your Rights — Learn about the NYS Scaffolding Law and the employer’s and employee’s duties under it.
