What Are the Top 4 Causes of Construction Injuries?

Construction workers face the most dangerous occupation in the United States. Every year, more than 4,400 workers are killed on the job. The construction industry accounts for 20% or more than 900 of these fatalities. While this is far lower than the estimated 14,000 workers who were killed annually before OSHA was created four decades ago, it’s still too many.

According to OSHA, the “Fatal Four” are responsible for more than 60% of all construction worker fatalities. If the following four causes of death could be eliminated, it would save over 600 construction workers’ lives each year. Still, for every worker who is killed, many more suffer serious injuries that result in time off work, disability, rehabilitation, chronic pain, surgery, and more. Every year, there are nearly 150,000 construction site accident injuries and about 10% of construction workers are hurt on the job.

Here are the top four causes of construction site injuries and fatalities in the U.S. and how a New York City personal injury attorney can help.

#1. Falls
Falls are the most common cause of death in construction, accounting for 39% of deaths. Falling through surfaces or openings accounted for most deaths and injuries, although falling from a collapsing structure or falling from scaffolding and ladders also injures many workers.

#2. Struck by Object
10% of construction fatalities are caused by being struck by an object, which is also a major cause of serious injury. Many of these injuries involve being struck by a vehicle on the job site, such as a forklift, or being hit by objects falling from a roof or scaffolding.

#3. Electrocution
About 9% of fatalities and many injuries are caused by electrocution. Electrocution is not always fatal, however; many workers who suffer an electrocution injury face permanent disability or other injuries depending on the duration of the exposure and the amount of current flowing through the body.

#4. Caught Between Objects
About 7% of fatalities occur when workers are caught between or compressed by material, equipment, collapsing structures, or machinery. These accidents include being crushed by shifting objects like a semi-trailer, being pulled into machinery or being strangled by clothing caught in equipment, and trenching accidents.

Contact Levitsky Law Firm

If you have been seriously injured in a construction accident, it’s important to protect your rights with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. At Levitsky Law Firm, our attorneys can help you build your claim, gather evidence, navigate the workers’ compensation system, and investigate whether you may have a third-party injury claim.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with a New York City injury lawyer.