The 4 Most Common Causes of Accidents on Construction Sites

Construction ranks among the deadliest industries in America. In 2022, 1,092 workers lost their lives on construction sites, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the "Fatal Four" hazards that account for the majority of these deaths:

1. Falls
2. Struck-by incidents
3. Electrocutions
4. Caught-in/between accidents.

If you work in construction, your safety is your employer's legal responsibility. The law mandates contractors to provide a safe work environment, proper safety equipment, and adequate training. When employers neglect these duties to cut costs or save time, they put your life at risk and can be held legally accountable for accidents and injuries on their job sites.

Unable to Work due to a Construction Accident?

You may be entitled to compensation. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation review of your case.

Contact Us

OSHA's "Fatal Four" Most Common Accident Causes

In 2022, the fatal injury rate for construction workers was 13.0 per 100,000 full-time workers, significantly higher than the all-industry average of 3. However, the risks extend beyond deadly accidents.

The BLS reports that the overall rate of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the construction industry was 2.4 cases per 100 full-time workers in the same year, with 1.5 cases per 100 workers resulting in days away from work, job restrictions, or transfers.

These hazards demand robust safety protocols and constant vigilance from your employer or contractor. Let's examine each of these four most common accident causes:

1. Falls

Falls remain the most deadly hazard in construction. According to the most recent BLS data, falls caused 412 worker deaths in 2022 - nearly 40% of all construction fatalities.

Falls are often caused by:

• Unprotected edges on roofs, floor openings, or scaffolding
• A ladder that's not stable or set up correctly
• Unstable, uneven, or slippery walking surfaces
• Inadequate protective equipment for working at heights

Common examples of fall hazards include:

• Working on a roof without personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)
• Using a ladder that isn't secure or is too short for the job
• Walking on a wet floor without non-slip shoes
• Working near an uncovered hole in the floor

Your Rights

OSHA requires your employer to provide fall protection when you're working at heights of 6 feet or more. This includes:

• Proper safety equipment (harnesses, guardrails, safety nets)
• Fall hazard prevention training
• Regular inspections of fall protection systems

If your employer fails to provide these protections, they may be breaking the law and putting your life at risk.

What This Means for You

If you've fallen on a job site due to a lack of proper protection, you may have grounds for a claim beyond workers' compensation. A construction accident lawyer can help you explore your options for additional compensation.

2. Struck-By Incidents

In 2022, 149 construction workers lost their lives due to struck-by incidents. These incidents happen when a worker is hit by a moving object, such as:

• Vehicles or heavy equipment 
• Falling debris
• Tools or materials ejected from power tools
• Swinging loads from cranes or hoists

Common examples of struck-by hazards include:

• A worker being hit by a reversing dump truck
• A brick falling from scaffolding and hitting someone below
• A piece of wood flying off a saw and striking a nearby worker
• A worker being hit by a heavy load from a crane due to wind or improper rigging

Your Rights

Struck-by accidents can cause crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatal internal injuries. To protect you, your employer must implement safety measures such as:

• Securing tools and materials at heights
• Establishing "no-go" zones around operating equipment
• Providing adequate PPE, such as hard hats and high-visibility clothing
• Training on equipment operation, use of spotters, and situational awareness

What This Means for You

If you've been hit by an object on a construction site, document everything. The object's origin could determine whether you have a third-party claim besides workers' compensation.

3. Electrocution and Electric Shock

Electrocutions claimed 62 lives in construction in 2022. Among these fatalities, 37 were the result of direct exposure to electricity. You are similarly at risk when working near:

• Overhead power lines
• Energized conductors or circuit parts
• Faulty power tools or cords

Your Rights

To safeguard you, your employer must:

• Identify all electrical hazards before work begins
• Provide proper training on electrical safety
• Ensure all equipment is properly grounded or double-insulated
• Implement lockout/tagout procedures (safely shutting off power sources during maintenance)
• Maintain a safe distance from power lines (at least 10 feet for lines up to 50kV) 

What This Means for You

Electrical accidents can cause severe burns, heart failure, nerve damage, or instant death.

If you've been electrocuted due to unmarked hazards or faulty equipment, you may have a case against your employer or the equipment manufacturer.

4. Caught-In/Between Accidents

Caught-in/between accidents happen when a worker gets squeezed, pinched, or crushed between two objects. These accidents led to 21 construction worker fatalities in 2022. These incidents occur when you're:

• Trapped in running machinery
• Crushed between equipment and a solid surface
• Buried in a collapsing structure or trench cave-in

Some common examples of caught-in/between hazards include:

• Being pinned between a forklift and a wall
• Getting a hand or arm caught in a punch press malfunction 
• Being buried by soil when a trench collapses

Your Rights

In the workplace, your employer or contractor is responsible for:

• Sufficient safety training on machine operation
• Providing machine guarding
• Implementing proper lockout/tagout procedures
• Ensuring proper trench and excavation safety measures

What This Means for You

If you've been injured in a machinery incident or a collapsing trench, your employer may have violated safety regulations. This could strengthen your case for compensation beyond workers' comp.

What Should You Do If You're Injured on a Construction Site?

If you're hurt on the job, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
2. Report the injury to your supervisor in writing
3. Document the accident scene and your injuries if possible (photos, witness names)
4. File a workers' compensation claim promptly
5. Contact a construction accident lawyer before signing any documents or giving statements.

Workers' compensation can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover.

In some cases, a third party may be liable for your injuries, such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer. If someone other than your employer was at fault, you might have grounds for additional compensation.

Injured on a Construction Site?

Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

After a construction accident, you need an advocate who knows the law and will fight for your rights. A skilled construction accident lawyer can:

• Help you understand your rights under federal and local laws
• Ensure you receive the medical care you need
• Handle your workers' compensation claim and any appeals
• Investigate third-party liability if necessary
• Fight for full compensation and potential additional claims for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Injured on a Construction Site due to Employer Negligence?

At the Porter Law Group, we specialize in construction accident cases. We know insurance companies' tactics to minimize payouts, and we won't let them shortchange you.

Remember, your employer is legally obligated to provide a safe work environment. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will protect your rights and help hold negligent parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction accident, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.