The construction industry is full of hazardous conditions that may lead to a multitude of injuries for workers. Falls, dangerous substances and heavy equipment contribute to devastating physical and financial setbacks for employees and employers.
Constructions sites hum with activity from workers driving vehicles, using saws, nail guns, corrosive chemicals, and other job-related actions. One misstep can be the difference between going home safely or needing medical attention. Even though any number of injuries can occur, some are much more common than others.
What Are The Most Common Injuries?
According to the Bureau of Labor, there were 199,100 total construction-related workplace injuries in 2018.
The most common injuries were:
- Sprains/Strains
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Fractures
- Chemical/Thermal Burns
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Puncture wounds
- Amputations
- Hearing Loss
- Vision loss
- Bruising
Construction Injuries by the Numbers
Sprained and strained ligaments and muscles are the most common non-fatal injuries. Falls, however, are the leading cause of fatal injury in construction.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2018, out of 1,008 total construction 320 came from falls.
Twenty-two of the overall deaths occurred in Alabama. Nine of the 22 deaths in Alabama were the result of a fall, slip, or trip on a construction-related job.
What Causes Injury?
Several factors lead to construction injuries. Mislabeled or unlabeled equipment, defective equipment, and improper training can make an already dangerous work environment and job even more dangerous.
Exposed wiring can lead to burns and electrocution. Negligence and improperly handling of equipment is another major contributor to the thousands of yearly injuries.
How Can I Avoid Injury?
Maintaining equipment, posting the proper signs, and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) are ways injuries and death can be avoided.
If you are working at a construction site, it is necessary to remain aware of your surroundings and always put safety first. Whether a novice or seasoned construction professional, accidents can and will happen. Still, they can be lessened in frequency and severity when standard precautions are observed.
Have You Been Injured?
If you, or a loved one, have been injured at a construction site, give the experienced lawyers at Timberlake & League a call for a free consultation. We can help.