Construction Injuries at a Glance

According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounts for the highest number of worker fatalities of any industry. Hazards posed by construction sites include exposure to noise, dust and other chemicals, working from high elevations and in confined spaces, working with power tools and other mechanical equipment, exposure to electricity and performing excavations. More information on the specific types of injuries suffered by constructions workers is provided below.

If you or your loved one has suffered injuries as the result of an accident at a construction site, consult an attorney to learn about your rights to compensation. A lawyer experienced in construction site accident litigation can help you learn more about your rights and options for pursuing a construction accident case.

What Types of Injuries?

• Falls
  Falls are the most common source of injury and death for construction workers. While the greatest number of falls occurs from ladders and scaffolding, construction workers also suffer serious injuries and die in falls from roofs, buildings, openings in structures, and stairs and steps.
• Electrocution
  Construction workers also are at risk for injury and death from electrocution or other electric injuries, such as electric shock and burns. These types of injuries are not only caused by contact with power lines and other sources of high voltage. Construction workers also can be injured by contact with faulty wiring, broken light bulbs or other equipment in contact with an electric source, like a ladder.
• Cave-Ins
  Construction workers involved in excavation work face the possibility of cave-ins. General contractors should take precautions before the excavation project begins to limit the possibility of a cave-in from occurring. For example, OSHA standards require employers to create a support system designed to protect workers from the hazards created by the specific type of excavation work, the environment of the site, such as soil type, water flow, climate, and other factors.
• Other Injuries
  Construction workers also face injury from a number of other sources, such as defective machinery and tools, bodily and head injuries from falling objects, and illnesses from ingesting silica-based dust, asphalt fumes and other chemicals, among others.

An attorney experienced in handling construction site accident cases can help you determine the best type of action to take in your construction accident case.

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