Why Do Construction Site Accidents Happen Frequently?

According to a study from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry made up 20 percent of the 4,674 total worker fatalities in 2017. This should not be a surprise, as construction workers face many risks. Due to the nature of this work, accidents occur, which could lead to life-threatening injuries and even death.

While construction site accidents are frequent, many of them are preventable. Learning about these accidents is the first step toward reducing their risk. 

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents

OSHA recognizes four leading causes of fatalities on construction sites which are responsible for about 60 percent of construction worker deaths. These causes are:

1. Falls
2. Struck by an object
3. Electrocutions
4. Caught in between objects

Falls

Falls often pose a big threat to construction site workers. It is the leading cause of fatalities in construction sites annually, with a 39 percent fatality rate. Some common fall hazards include poor scaffolding, defective ladders, debris, wet surfaces, and unmarked trenches.

To help prevent falls, take these precautions:

• Put up guardrails at exposed leading edges 
• Remove any slip and fall hazards from elevated surfaces like ice, snow, paint cans, or debris
• Get scaffolding constructed and inspected by qualified professionals
• Avoid excessive leaning when working on a ladder
• Train workers to recognize fall hazards and how to avoid them

Accidents From Being Struck by an Object

This type of accident can involve objects falling or dropping from construction equipment, scaffolding, or overhead landings. Other objects may include flying debris, loose suspended loads, and swinging or rolling loads. Truck accidents and crane accidents are among some of the more common injuries in which an object strikes a worker.

Always remember these tips to avoid this type of accident at a construction site:

• Ensure hoisted loads are properly rigged and secured
• Keep tools from ledges and sloped surfaces
• Ensure your materials are arranged in a balanced and secure way
• Use barricades to block off areas where objects can fall from

Electrocutions

Because construction employees frequently operate closely with electrical sources, they have a higher risk than other industry workers of getting electrocuted. Even non-electrical workers face the risk of electrocution accidents as well.

There are power sources with networks of live wires running above and beneath construction sites. These workers, such as roofers or crane operators, can come in contact with an overhead or underground power line.

Some tips to avoid workplace electrocution:

• Ensure ground fault protection
• Mark the locations of overhead and underground power lines with identifiable means
• Keep at least ten feet from active power lines if possible. If not, have the lines de-energized
• Follow the proper lockout/tag-out procedure
• Create an inspection routine for power and extension cords for defects regularly

Getting Stuck or Crushed

In this accident type, the affected worker is caught, squeezed, or crushed between objects or equipment. This could result from the weight of the objects or prolonged immobility. If a worker experiences this type of accident on a construction site, they risk serious injuries or death.

Here are ways to avoid caught-in-between accidents:

• Ensure machinery is turned off before you perform inspections or repairs
• Avoid using machines that are not properly guarded
• Use proper lockout and tag-out procedure

Conclusion

Construction sites expose workers to risks of accidents and serious injury. Different types of hazards can cause injury on a construction site. You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured due to a construction site accident. It is essential for workers to be familiar with these hazards to ensure a safe working environment.