Common Construction Accident Injuries

Construction work is dangerous and accidents happen easily. Injuries from construction industry accidents are often serious and can include broken bones, cuts, burns, and even death.

Falls from heights or scaffolding are the most common accidents on construction sites. Workers who aren't trained to use safety equipment or in safety precautions can fall from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops, resulting in broken bones or death. Another common type of accident on construction jobs is being struck by a falling object, like a heavy tool. This can cause serious head injuries or other bodily harm.

At Ktenas Injury our Chicago construction accident attorneys are available to help with workplace injury and fatalities. Call us at (312) 300-2515 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

Factors That Contribute to Construction Site Accidents

Construction site accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including negligence, improper safety measures, defective equipment, hazardous working conditions, and inexperience. Common causes of construction site accidents include the following:

1. Negligence: Negligence is the most common cause of construction site accidents. It occurs when a worker or contractor fails to take reasonable care while on the job or does not adhere to safety regulations.
2. Improper Safety Measures: Construction sites must follow certain safety regulations, such as wearing proper protective equipment and adhering to the proper safety protocols. When these measures are not taken, workers may be at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries or death due to an accident.
3. Defective Equipment: Defective pieces of equipment, dangerous electrical equipment, equipment malfunctions, and machinery can easily lead to injuries on construction sites. Poorly maintained and/or defective equipment can malfunction and cause serious injuries to those nearby.
4. Hazardous Working Conditions: Construction sites are often filled with hazardous materials and environments that can increase the risk of construction injuries or death. These may include heights, electrical hazards such as exposed power lines, and other dangers that should be addressed by the site supervisors.

Unsafe Working Environment

Construction accidents can occur due to working in an unsafe environment. This can result in injuries, illnesses, and even death. Unsafe work environments often have hazardous conditions such as a lack of safety equipment, inadequate training, overcrowded worksites, and poor lighting.

Without proper safety equipment like hard hats, goggles, and gloves, workers are at a higher risk of getting injured or killed. Workers need to receive proper training on using safety equipment to prevent accidents. Overcrowded worksites without enough space can lead to slips, trips, and falls. Site supervisors should address poor lighting to avoid construction site injuries.

Improper Training & Lack of Training

Improper training and lack of training in construction can result in serious types of accidents and injuries. Workers who are not properly trained may not understand the risks involved in their tasks, leading to mistakes that can cause severe harm or death.

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Construction and machinery accidents often occur when workers are unaware of safety protocols. All workers must receive proper training on using safety equipment and identifying potential flammable material hazards. First aid training is also essential in case of emergencies.

Power Tools & Heavy Machinery

Power tools and heavy machinery are important on construction sites. They can help complete jobs quickly and efficiently but also pose a risk of injury due to their power. Injuries from power tools and heavy machinery include lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, nerve damage, fractures, amputations, burns, electric shock, and eye injuries.

When using these tools, workers should wear safety equipment like goggles and gloves. They should also follow safety protocols and guidelines for their safety.

Trench Collapses

Trench collapse is a highly dangerous type of construction accident that can have severe consequences, including injuries or fatalities to workers in the trench. It occurs when the walls of the trench fail to remain upright due to external or internal pressure.

Employers should prioritize proper training for workers to identify and address signs of potential collapses and ensure the installation of appropriate shoring.

Slippery Surfaces & Other Hazards

Workplace injuries and accidents can be caused by slippery surfaces and hazardous conditions. Workers can slip, trip, or fall due to wet or greasy surfaces, loose debris, or inadequate lighting. Injuries from these accidents can range from minor scrapes to more serious fractures and spinal cord injuries.

To prevent these types of construction accidents, employers should ensure that workers wear safety footwear and take precautions to minimize hazards. Employers should also ensure that the work area is well-lit and free of debris.

Common Types of Injuries on Construction Sites

Construction sites are dangerous places with many potential hazards. Every year, hundreds of thousands of workers suffer from injuries as a result of accidents that occur on these sites. Common construction accident injuries range from minor scrapes and bruises to severe traumas, such as broken bones or head injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Construction workers often suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A blow or jolt to the head, or an object penetrating it, can cause a head injury that damages the brain. TBIs can have severe and long-lasting effects, including confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches, impaired memory and coordination, and mental health issues like depression.

To prevent TBIs, employers should make sure workers wear proper safety gear, like helmets and face shields, in hazardous conditions. They should also provide regular safety training to raise awareness of risks and how to stay protected.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious construction accident. It causes damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, and even death. This can happen from falls or being struck by heavy objects on construction sites. Recovering from an SCI is difficult and may require surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Long-term care is expensive and time-consuming, so employers must prevent these accidents from happening.

Eye Injury & Vision Loss

Eye injuries are a common occurrence in construction accidents and can range from minor scratches and abrasions, all the way up to severe cases that result in vision loss or blindness. The most frequent causes of eye injuries in the workplace include foreign objects entering the eyes, dust or debris, contact with caustic substances, welding sparks, tools, machinery, and open flames.

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To mitigate the risk of eye injuries, employers should ensure that their employees wear appropriate safety gear when working in hazardous areas and provide regular safety training on the importance of protective eyewear.

Burns & Electrocution

Burns and electrocution are two of the most common injuries sustained in construction accidents. Burns occur when a worker is exposed to high temperatures, open flames, hot liquids, or even steam. The severity of these burns can range from mild to severe. In some cases, a burn can cause the skin to blister, leaving scarring that may require extensive treatment or medical attention.

Broken Bones & Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are common injuries in construction accidents. They happen when a significant force is applied to a bone, causing it to break. These injuries can be painful and limit mobility. Surgery may be necessary to fix the fracture.

To prevent fractures and broken bones, employers should provide safety equipment like hard hats and protective boots. Regular safety training on proper tool use is also important.

Amputations & Limb Loss

Construction accidents can result in devastating injuries like amputations and limb loss. These injuries occur when a body part is completely severed or severely damaged and needs surgical removal. Causes include crushing, lacerating, burning, exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, or entanglement in heavy machinery.

To minimize the risk, employers should provide workers with proper safety gear and regular training on safe tools and equipment use.

Call Ktenas Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation!

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you must seek immediate medical attention and then legal assistance to get the maximum compensation you deserve. Our Chicago injury attorneys are here to help ensure you receive punitive damages for your construction site injury.

We understand that construction accidents can lead to severe injuries or even death, and we want to make sure that justice is served. Our purpose is to ensure that the medical expenses and bills of injured individuals are covered, guaranteeing fair compensation.

Our experienced attorneys have experience fighting for the rights of those who have been injured in construction accidents.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.