Common Types of Injuries for Construction Workers

Construction site accidents lead to severe, and even fatal, injuries because of the nature of the industry. The heavy machinery, moving objects, and simultaneous projects create the perfect environment for construction site accidents and workers comp injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established strict regulations to cut down on construction worker injuries, but these types of accidents still often occur:

Fall Injuries

Slips, trips, and falls are common injuries in construction zones across the country. Employees may be working on a high surface and fall to the main floor due to unprotected edges, weak support structures, and other fall hazards. Injuries from falling from a scaffold or ladder are the most common types of fall injuries.

Construction accidents involving falls can be avoided by:

• Using protective equipment correctly including safety nets, guardrails, and stop systems.
• Providing a well-lit workplace.
• Keeping a tidy work area.
• Wearing appropriate footwear, clothing, hardhats, and safety glasses.
• Following all OSHA regulations and safety guidelines.
• Training all employees to follow safety measures.

Struck or Hit by an Object

Construction sites involve moving materials, equipment, and tools continuously, which easily leads to construction worker injuries from getting struck by an object. These incidents may include a tool falling from a higher surface, which can cause severe harm, but catastrophic injuries and death can happen in some instances such as a vehicle that traps a construction worker against a wall.

Injuries from fixed or moving objects at a construction site can be avoided by:

• Wearing protective equipment (safety eyewear, hardhats).
• Staying alert to your surroundings.
• Storing equipment and materials safely to avoid falling piles.
• Staying away from suspended or high up materials or “loads.”
• Securely fastening objects to prevent falling or rolling injuries.

Caught Between or Inside Heavy Machinery or Equipment

Construction zones involve a variety of machinery to build and transport materials for the site. Another common workers’ compensation injury occurs when someone is trapped between objects, which often crushes, compresses, or squeezes the stuck employee. These accidents can be caused by a heavy object that’s fallen on someone, trapped against a wall by a vehicle, or when machinery pulls in a body part.

These risks and injuries can be avoided by:

• Being aware of the placement of heavy objects around the construction site.
• Staying away from rotating equipment.
• Keeping body parts and loose clothing away from moving machinery parts.
• Never work in a space where water is pooling and rising.
• Wearing appropriate safety gear and apparel.

Electrocution Injuries

Construction sites involve electricity at nearly every level of the building process. While OSHA has guidelines to reduce electrocution risks, they still happen regularly. Electrocution injuries can cause burns, cardiac arrest, damage the nerves, and cause muscle contractions. These accidents may be the result of an unsafe work environment, failure to follow safety protocols or faulty installation of equipment or other electrical materials.

Construction site electrocution accidents can be reduced by following these tips:

• Wear appropriate protection for the head, eyes, and body, which may include insulated equipment or clothing.
• Stay a safe distance away from electrical parts.
• Make sure the equipment is “deenergized” before approaching.
• Utilize safety procedures that tag or lockout equipment to make sure it’s deenergized.

Contact a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Orlando

Workers comp claims are more complicated than you may realize. There are often clauses that dictate you must see an approved company physician or limit the amount of time you have to seek medical treatment. Our Orlando workers compensation lawyers can help you file your claim and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction zone accident, please contact Colling Gilbert Wright in Orlando, Florida today at (407) 712-7300 for a FREE case evaluation. Our workers comp lawyers serve clients nationwide.