The Most Dangerous Types of Construction Accidents
According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 900 fatal accidents in the construction field in 2015. It was the line of work with the highest number of fatal work injuries that year. Even when not fatal, construction accidents have the propensity to cause catastrophic injuries and substantial physical, emotional, and financial damages.
While any construction accident is bad, there are those that are known to be more dangerous than others. The attorneys at Smith & Baltaxe, LLP have represented victims of construction accident injuries, as well as family members of those who have lost their lives in the field of construction.
Here we discuss some of the most dangerous types of construction accidents to impact the lives of our San Francisco, CA clients.
Falls
Of all the types of accidents that can take place on a construction site, falls are by far the most dangerous. According to data collected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls account for around 38 percent of yearly construction deaths. Without fall accidents, we could eliminate nearly 400 construction fatalities each year.
The high fatality rate of fall accidents account for its ranking as the most dangerous type of construction accident. However, even when a fall is not deadly, the consequences can be catastrophic. Fall injuries may result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and neck or back injuries.
Any one of these injuries could permanently alter a person’s way of life, including the ability to ever return to work in the field of construction.
Being Struck by an Object
Accidents that involve a person being struck by an object are also dangerous. OSHA reports that these types of accidents are the second leading cause of construction deaths, accounting for just over nine percent of construction accident fatalities each year.
The high fatality rate is an obvious concern, but those who survive these accidents are also likely to face severe damages. Potential injuries in this type of accident include traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, organ damage, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.
Electrocution
Electric work is a big division within the field of construction. Any time a person is working with electricity, the risk of an accident is high.
Electrocution accidents often have severe, or deadly, consequences. According to data collected by OSHA, there are around 80 electrocution deaths in the field of construction each year.
This represents around eight percent of yearly construction accident fatalities. Victims of electrocution accidents who survive are likely to suffer serious burns, muscle contractions, and damage to internal tissues.
Caught-betweens
Caught-betweens, which are more commonly known as crush injuries, round out the “fatal four” construction accidents. OSHA statistics show that about seven percent of construction fatalities are the result of caught-between accidents.
These accidents involve a person getting stuck between two heavy objects, or being pinned to the ground by a heavy object or machinery. Crush injuries may result in muscle damage, nerve damage, broken bones, or even the loss of a limb.
Learn More
Construction accidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. In many cases, construction accident victims are due compensation for injury damages. If you have been injured in a construction accident and would like to learn more about your legal rights, contact us at your earliest convenience.
Call (415) 292-7800 to discuss the details of your case with one of the experienced attorneys at Smith & Baltaxe, LLP.