Wisconsin work injury lawyersStatistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) show that approximately one out of every ten construction workers will experience a workplace injury. Worse yet, the average construction worker has a one in 200 chance of experiencing a job-related fatality over the course of a 45-year career. Why is the construction industry so dangerous, and what (if anything) can be done about it? The answer, though complex, rests within the ten most common types of construction accidents.

Most Common Types of Construction Accidents

Although there are many different subsets of construction (road construction, high rise construction, etc.), they all share the ten most common causes of death and injury. These accident types are as follows:

  • Falls from heights or scaffolding (accounts for approximately 34 percent of all construction worker fatalities);
  • Falling debris, equipment, machinery, or materials;
  • Electrocution;
  • Slip and falls;
  • Explosions and fires;
  • Machinery accidents;
  • Overexertion;
  • Getting caught between objects;
  • Vehicle accidents; and
  • Collapsing trenches.

Many of these accidents could easily be avoided if only the employer followed federal safety regulations. For example, employers that fail to provide adequate crane training places his or her employees at an unnecessarily high risk for electrocution injuries and machinery injuries. Alternatively, a construction agency may hire temp workers but fail to provide them with adequate safety gear. In either situation, there may be the option for a personal injury case. However, because some may only be eligible for workers’ compensation (due to laws), it is important to ensure the case is discussed with an attorney before filing a claim.

Non-Workers May Also Be at Risk

Construction workers might have the greatest risk of injury and fatality, but passersby, drivers, and people in nearby homes or buildings may be at risk as well. Falling cranes or equipment, explosions, building collapses, and improperly placed or missing signs are all potential causes of non-worker injuries. Victims who experience such accidents may also be owed compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and lost time at work. If a fatality occurs, their loved ones may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Pursuing Compensation for Your Construction Accident Injury

If you or someone you love has experienced an injury or wrongful death because of negligence or recklessness at a construction site, contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. for assistance. We represent temp workers, employees eligible for third-party claims, and non-workers alike. Aggressive and experienced, we fight for the most compensation possible in every situation. Schedule your consultation with our Appleton construction site accident lawyers to learn more. Call 920-739-7366 today.

Sources:

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/passersby-gaze-snap-photos-crane-accident-midtown-article-1.2242487

https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html

http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/construction-workers-experience-higher-rates-of-injury-premature-death-study-2