Most Common Construction Site Accidents

Construction workers face numerous risks on job sites, and many risks lead to severe injuries and fatalities. In 2020, nonfatal falls, slips, and trips were higher for construction workers than all workers in other industries.

Workers in construction sites may face unique risks depending on the type of project they are working on. However, some causes of accidents are more common than others, including falls, stuck-in-betweens, and electrocutions. Many parties, such as a contractor, site owner, or manufacturer of faulty equipment, could be liable for a construction site accident and injuries. 

An experienced Santa Rosa construction site accident attorney can explain your rights and provide legal support in seeking compensation.

Main Causes of Construction Site Accidents

There are four primary types of construction site accidents, which include:

• Falls: Falls cause varying injuries, including broken bones, bruising, and sprains. The sudden trauma can also cause soft tissue damage and bleeding. Common fall hazards include unprotected edges, floor openings, unstable surfaces, and elevated work surfaces.
• Struck by an object: A struck-by-an-object hazard refers to an accident where a worker is hit and injured by a tool, equipment, or object. Struck by an object, hazards originate from many sources, including poor housekeeping and improper material or equipment handling.
• Electrocution: Construction workers sustain a large percentage of the electrical injuries reported each year. Some electrical hazards in job sites include overhead power lines, damaged cords and equipment, failure to use fire-retardant materials, and improper grounding.
• Caught-in-between hazards: You may be pinned between a piece of equipment and a solid object, such as a wall and grader, or between shoring and construction materials. Caught-in-between accidents often result in multiple broken bones, asphyxiation, or death.

Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents

While construction accidents often result in fatalities, some incidents result in injuries. Some factors that can result in construction worker injuries include:

• Unsafe equipment
• Inadequate protection for workers in trenches
• Falling and tripping hazards on the floor
• Missing protection or guards on power tools
• Inadequate protection when working near power lines
• Defective power equipment
• Exposure to chemical hazards without protection

Statistics of Construction Site Accidents in California

The private construction industry had 75 fatal workplace injuries, down from 79 the previous year. The construction and extraction work group had the second-highest fatal workplace injuries, with 80.

California Laws Related to Construction Site Accidents

In California, real estate developers and homeowners should be aware of construction laws, including safety codes, zoning regulations, and environmental regulations, for legal compliance and public safety.

Employers in the construction industry should have workers’ compensation insurance to compensate employers who sustain work-related injuries.

Contact an Experienced Santa Rosa Construction Site Accident Attorney to Protect Your Rights

Did you suffer an injury at a construction site? If so, you might be entitled to compensation for all your losses. The Cartwright Law Firm has over 60 years of experience representing injured victims, and we can protect your rights. Contact us online or at 415-433-0447 for a free case review.