According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction work is the second most dangerous occupation in Connecticut. At any work place, employees are entitled to protection from hazards and potential accidents. It is the legal responsibility of an employer to comply with statutory requirements and regulations about safe working practices. If an employer fails to do this, then they risk being liable for compensation claims following an accident.
Construction workers use power tools and heavy equipment. They are also often on job sites that put them in significant risk. Even a non-fatal accident can cause serious problems, such as:
- An inability to work
- Significant medical expenses
- Personal pain and suffering
How Do Construction Accidents Occur?
Some of the leading causes of construction site accidents include:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Being struck by falling objects, materials or tools
- Falls from heights
- Trench collapse
- Scaffold collapse
- Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast
- Failure to use proper personal protective equipment
- Repetitive motion injuries (Ref: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3252/3252.html)
Injuries Caused by Construction Accidents
Some common injuries that may result from a construction site accident are:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of eyesight or hearing
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Spinal cord injury
- Burn injury
- Broken bones
Types of Construction Accidents
- Falling from extreme heights – Falling from extreme heights is the biggest cause of death at construction sites. Construction workers face this type of risk almost every day.
- Slips, trips and falls – Construction workers may slip on a wet patch, trip over a cable, or fall down the stairs.
- Electrocutions – There is often exposed wiring, power lines, and unfinished electrical systems around. Construction worker who work close to live currents risk burns and electric shocks.
- Occupational exposure – Some people work in hazardous environments, such as refineries and chemical plants. This exposes them to toxic substances and other detrimental conditions.
- Fires and explosions – Because of unfinished piping, leaking gases, and incomplete electrical systems, fires and explosions are a common occurrence on construction sites.
Get the Highest compensations in construction site accidents
Connecticut Construction Accident Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more workers die in construction accidents than in any other type of work. There are more than 150,000 construction site accidents each year. That accounts for 20% of all fatal workplace accidents in the U. S.
Fifteen percent of all workers’ compensation claims are victims of construction site accidents. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 2.3 million construction workers or 65 percent of the construction industry, works on scaffolds. On average, there are 60 deaths and 4,500 injuries each year because of scaffolding accidents.
Contact Connecticut Construction Site Accident Lawyer
Construction accident victims deserve compensation for their injuries. If someone other than your employer or a co-worker caused the accident, then you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim in addition to workers' compensation.
Ganim Injury Lawyers know everything there is to know about personal injury law. Our firm is dedicated to client service and communication with all phone calls returned within 24 hours. You may also contact us about a free consultation.
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