Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. | January 4, 2023 | Construction Accidents
Construction accidents, such as falling object injuries, account for many workplace accidents in the U.S. The workers’ compensation system provides benefits for most (but not all) claims arising from construction accidents.
The following six causes account for most construction site injuries.
Falls on Construction Sites
According to New York’s Construction Industry Fatality Registry, falls are by far the most common type of construction accident, amounting to more than one-third of all accidents. This is not surprising when you consider that a construction site is full of hazards that might trigger a slip-and-fall accident.
Trenches, holes, platforms, elevator shafts, uncompleted stairwells, tunnels, open floors, loose wiring, objects on the ground, and many other hazards provide ample opportunity for accidents. Consider also the heights at which many construction workers perform their jobs, and you have a recipe for catastrophe.
Electrocution Accidents
Electrocution accidents are among the most frightening of all workplace accidents. They typically occur when the victim comes into contact with a power line or another exposed source of electricity. Since construction workers often install these sources, the prevalence of electrocution accidents among construction workers is hardly surprising.
Unfortunately, they are common despite the existence of numerous safety precautions. Power line installers, electricians, roofers, plumbers, and carpenters are particularly vulnerable. Better safety training and improved safety gear have reduced electrocution accidents in recent years.
Crushing Accidents
A crushing accident occurs when a worker’s body is caught between two objects. For example, a worker might be pinched between a piece of heavy machinery and a concrete wall. A cave-in might cause a crushing accident, as might the collapse of a structure or the malfunctioning of construction machinery.
Unattended machinery and machinery that is left running when it shouldn’t be are major causes of crushing accidents. Another cause is worker inattention—concentrating so much on what you are doing that you forget what is happening around you.
Falling Objects
It doesn’t take much thought to figure out why hard hats are required on construction sites. Construction sites contain a lot of tools and objects such as pipes, lumber, hammers, etc.
Workers may carry these objects to the upper floors of a building under construction, with predictable results. Even with a hard hat, a relatively small falling object can cause death or severe injury.
Vehicle Accidents
Large construction sites are buzzing with activity. You might see forklifts, graders, backhoes, and dump trucks, among other vehicles. A worker may even be assigned to direct traffic.
Accidents occur between vehicles, between vehicles and pedestrians, and between vehicles and structures. A driver may fall from their vehicle. A forklift may tip over when the operator tries to turn it with the load raised.
In many cases, the ultimate cause of an accident is inadequate operator training. Construction site vehicle accidents are no less dangerous than they are on public roads.
Construction Equipment Misuse and Malfunction
Building construction requires the use of many tools and machines that require a lot of skill to operate. Inadequate training and negligent operational procedures take their toll in the form of serious and sometimes deadly accidents. Hand tools such as hammers and knives cause more accidents than power tools like drills and power saws.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders include common construction injuries such as injuries to joints, bones, and nerves. These injuries might be traceable to specific accidents, but they often result from repetitive stress over years or even decades. The ultimate cause of many work-related musculoskeletal disorders is the slow attrition of wear and tear on the body caused by demanding job requirements. Inadequate long-term safety measures also play a role.
A New York City Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation
An NYC construction accident lawyer can more than pay for their legal fees by helping you obtain much greater compensation than you would have obtained on your own. Your lawyer can even negotiate your claim for you. And remember, with most construction accident lawyers, you only pay if you win.
Contact Our Construction Accident Law Firm in New York City
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City construction accident lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.
Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C.
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New York, NY 10005
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