What Are the Top Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites?
The construction industry is critically important for the infrastructure of this country. However, those who work in construction open themselves up to substantial risks when it comes to injuries. Construction work is dangerous. Statistics show that this industry is responsible for more fatalities than any other single industry in the country. Those who do survive construction accidents often sustain severe injuries. Here, we want to look at the top causes of accidents on construction sites in Georgia.
Top Causes of Construction Accidents You Need to be Aware Of
Data available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows us that there were 5,333 total on-the-job fatalities in private industries across the US during the latest reporting year. One out of every five of these fatalities occurred in the construction industry.
This data highlights just how dangerous working in construction can be. Even with stringent safety regulations set forth by state and federal regulators, construction workers in Georgia face serious risks every day.
It is not uncommon for construction workers to sustain severe injuries as a result of an on-the-job incident, including broken and dislocated bones, severe sprains were strains, lacerations and puncture wounds, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and more.
When we examine the top OSHA violations issued to construction companies, the main causes of construction accident injuries become clearer. This includes the following:
- Lack of fall protection for those working on elevated structures
- Lack of protection for those on the ground from falling objects
- Missing guards or protections on tools
- Unsafe or faulty equipment
- Tripping hazards caused by construction material or debris
- Lack of precaution when working around electricity or power lines
- Lack of protection for workers inside trenches
- Various unsafe property conditions
From the outside looking in, construction sites can seem chaotic. It is true that there is typically a bunch of activity ongoing at active construction sites, and this often means that there are various companies, contractors, and subcontractors all working in the same locations.
All of these different companies and contractors could have various safety standards. Even though one company may do everything correctly when it comes to worker safety, there is no guarantee that a contractor will uphold the same safety standards at the job site. In some cases, third parties can be the direct cause of construction site injuries.
Additionally, defective tools and safety equipment can lead to severe injuries for construction workers. If product companies and manufacturers allow defective tools of equipment onto the market, they could be held liable in the event an injury occurs.
Securing Compensation For Your Injuries
If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury as a result of working at a construction site, you may need to seek legal assistance to recover the compensation you are entitled to. You should be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia to cover your medical bills and most of your lost wages. However, employers and insurance carriers could push back and dispute the cause of the accident or how much they should pay. An attorney can help handle every aspect of these claims on your behalf, and they will also be able to investigate whether or not any third parties could hold liability for the incident.