Injuries to construction workers can be caused by the carelessness or reckless conduct of someone else, unsafe work conditions, defective machinery, or the improper use of tools or equipment, including the lack of protective or safety gear.
Trip hazards from debris or construction materials is also a common condition that causes accidents on worksites. Workers who do not receive adequate protection in trenches, or proper training when using tools or equipment could suffer accidents and injuries on the worksite.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) reports between 4,000 to 5,000 deaths each year in the construction industry. These construction accidents can happen for many reasons, but there are four main causes of deaths involving construction workers that OSHA considers the “Fatal Four.” These accidents include:
- Getting caught in or between equipment and objects. Factors leading to these accidents include a failure to inspect protective systems or trenches, unsafe egress or access, or unsafe spoil pile placement.
- Electrocutions including contact with power lines, improper use of cords, and no ground-faults.
- Falls that may result from floor holes, improper scaffold, misuse of portable ladders, and unprotected sides or guardrails.
- Getting hit by objects such as falling or flying objects and vehicle accidents.
