It doesn’t matter if you work on a construction site every day or are simply visiting, such as to make a delivery or complete a specific job, there are dangers everywhere. It’s the steps you take that can be the difference between maintaining your safety and suffering a serious injury.
Understanding the most common causes of construction site accidents can help you prevent trouble. Here’s what you need to watch out for.
- Falls from height: Anyone working at height, such as on a roof or scaffolding, is at risk of falling to the ground below. This can be the result of a misstep, slip and fall, or inclement weather, among other causes.
- Falling object: If an object falls from above, it could strike anyone standing below. And if the object is heavy enough, it could cause serious injury or even death.
- Slip and fall: Construction sites commonly have debris everywhere, such as tools and leftover construction material. All of these things improve the likelihood of a slip and fall, which can result in injuries such as broken bones, concussion and more.
- Vehicle accidents: Depending on the type of construction site and stage of the work, vehicle accidents are a possibility. These are used for everything from transporting workers to dropping off materials. This type of accident can harm the people inside the vehicle, as well as those in close proximity.
- Electrocution: An often overlooked construction site accident, electrocution is all too common when someone doesn’t take the appropriate precautions regarding how electricity to the area is arranged.
While these are among the most common causes of construction site accidents, there are others that are every bit as dangerous. Understanding what you are up against will allow you to plan accordingly.
If you’re injured in a construction site accident, do the following:
- Examine your injury (or injuries)
- Administer first aid
- Call 911 for an ambulance or ask someone to drive you to a local hospital
- Follow the instructions provided by your doctor
Once you do these things, revisit the accident with an eye toward the cause and how to protect your legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim.
