Inadequate training directly contributes to the majority of serious construction site accidents such as falls from heights and electrical incidents. These preventable accidents occur when workers haven't received comprehensive instruction on safety protocols, hazard recognition, emergency procedures and proper equipment usage as required by law.
According to the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP), 60% of construction workplace accidents usually happen during an employee’s first year working. Factors that may have contributed to this include improper training, understanding and lack of experience.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident due to insufficient training, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to receive fair compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
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1. Falls from Heights
Falls from heights remain the leading cause of construction fatalities. According to OSHA data, falls accounted for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020, representing approximately 34.8% of all construction deaths.
A CPWR survey findings even indicate that there’s a 76% lower chance for a fall to be fatal for workers that had self-rescue training compared to those who didn’t. This demonstrates a significant protective effect of specific rescue training in the jobs they are tasked to do.
2. Equipment Operation Accidents
Heavy machinery operation without proper training leads to numerous severe injuries and fatalities annually. Equipment operation accidents occur when workers haven't been adequately trained to safely use construction vehicles and machinery such as cranes, excavators, forklifts, and bulldozers.
3. Electrical Accidents & Chemical Exposures
Electrical accidents on construction sites frequently result from insufficient training regarding electrical hazards, safe work practices, and proper lockout/tagout procedures. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), approximately 9% of electrical accidents were fatal in 2018.
Further findings also suggest that the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), especially in dealing with chemicals on the job, shows a strong correlation to increased work-related accidents on construction sites. Of those who don’t use it, 73% stated that they didn’t know how to use PPE. This suggests they were deprived of the much needed training required to do their jobs safely.
4. Struck-by Hazards
Struck-by accidents occur when workers are hit by falling objects, moving vehicles, or flying debris. According to BLS data, struck-by incidents account for approximately 13.9% of construction fatalities, making them the fourth most common cause of death in the industry.
A CPWR survey found that more than 70% of the respondents state that training is needed in identifying and preventing struck-by hazards. This suggests that the workers recognize the importance of such training components, enabling workers to better anticipate and avoid potential struck-by scenarios.
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Legal Requirements for Construction Training
OSHA regulations mandate specific training requirements for construction workers based on their roles, tasks, and exposure to hazards. These requirements appear in OSHA standards 29 CFR 1926 (Construction) and 1910 (General Industry), which outline employer obligations to provide a safe workplace through comprehensive training. As such, proper training serves as a critical protective factor in construction workers’ safety.
If your injuries were caused by a lack of proper training on a construction site, certain parties are liable to damages owed to you, whether by worker’s compensation or a personal injury claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Porter Law Group, our experienced construction accident attorneys understand the complex legal issues surrounding training-related injuries. We thoroughly investigate each case to identify all potentially liable parties and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for our clients.
Call us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don't let improper training injuries define your future – reach out today and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
