What are the Most Common Construction Accidents?

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, teeming with potential dangers that can lead to accidents and injuries.

As the industry continues to grow, it is crucial for all stakeholders involved, including construction companies, site managers, workers, and regulatory bodies, to maintain a strong focus on safety.

This article will discuss some of the most common accidents that occur in construction sites and explore ways to mitigate these risks.

What are the Most Common Construction Accidents?: eAskme

1. High Falls:

It’s no surprise how common ladder fall lawsuits are in the United States.

Falls from height represent one of the most frequent and potentially fatal accidents on construction sites.

Workers can slip or lose balance while working on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated platforms.

To reduce the risk of falls, construction companies should:

• Ensure proper training is received on the use of fall protection equipment and safe work practices.
• Use safety equipment such as harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets.
• Regularly inspect work platforms and fall protection equipment for wear or damage.
• Implement virtual reality (VR) and other forms of simulation training programs to enhance workers’ ability to recognize and respond to fall hazards.

2. Falling Objects:

Objects falling from overhead can cause serious injuries or even death to workers on the ground.

This can occur due to improper storage, inadequate securing of materials, or accidents during lifting operations.

To prevent falling object incidents, construction companies should:

• Implement strict guidelines n material storage, handling, and stacking.
• Use appropriate barricades or exclusion zones to protect workers from work areas where objects may fall.
• Ensure that workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats and steel-toed boots.
• Utilize smart technology, such as sensors and alarms, to alert workers of potential overhead hazards.

3. Vehicle Accidents:

The use of heavy machinery and vehicles, such as forklifts, cranes, and trucks, can lead to accidents when not operated correctly, maintained properly, or when pedestrian workers are present.

To minimize vehicle-related accidents, construction companies should:

• Provide adequate training and certification for vehicle operators.
• Establish rules for vehicle operation, such as designated traffic routes, speed limits, and right-of-way protocols.
• Implement regular inspection and maintenance schedules for all vehicles and equipment. Use technology, such as proximity sensors and collision avoidance systems, to enhance vehicle safety.

4. Electrocution:

Exposed electrical wiring, power lines, and improper use of electrical equipment can lead to electrocution accidents.

To minimize electrocution risks, construction companies should:

• Ensure that all electrical safety systems are properly installed, maintained, and regularly inspected.
• Train workers on electrical safety principles, including the use of appropriate PPE and identification of potential hazards.
• Establish lockout or tagout procedures to prevent accidental energizing of circuits or equipment during maintenance.
• Implement wireless and remote technology to minimize direct contact with electrical hazards.

5. Caught-In or Caught-Between Incidents:

Workers can become trapped or crushed between equipment, materials, or structures.

This can result from heavy equipment malfunctions, collapsing structures, or inadequate safety precautions during work processes.

To prevent caught-in or caught-between incidents, construction companies should:

• Establish safety protocols, such as proper lockout or tagout procedures and machine guarding.
• Train workers on safe work practices, including how to recognize and avoid potential hazards.
• Encourage communication and collaboration between team members to identify and address potential risks.
• Utilize technology, such as cameras and sensors, to monitor blind spots and alert workers to potential hazards.

6. Trenching and Excavation Hazards:

Trench collapses and cave-ins are significant risks in excavation work, often resulting in fatalities.

To avoid these accidents, construction companies should:

• Adhere to OSHA standards for excavation and trenching, including proper sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding techniques.
• Conduct regular inspections of excavation sites by a competent person to identify and address potential hazards.
• Train workers on recognizing unsafe conditions and the appropriate actions to take in case of an emergency.
• Employ ground-penetrating radar and other advanced technologies to detect voids or potential weaknesses in excavation sites.

7. Strain Injuries:

Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and overexertion can lead to injuries, such as strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries.

To minimize these risks, construction companies should:

• Implement solutions, such as adjustable workstations and tools designed to reduce strain.
• Train workers on proper lifting techniques and body mechanics.
• Encourage regular breaks and stretching exercises to promote physical well-being.
• Use exoskeletons and assistive devices to reduce physical strain on workers.

8. Fire and Explosion Risks:

Flammable materials, gas leaks, and improper handling of hazardous substances can lead to fires or explosions on construction sites.

To mitigate these risks, construction companies should:

• Develop and implement fire prevention plans and emergency response procedures.
• Train workers on the proper storage, handling, and disposal of flammable and hazardous materials.
• Regularly inspect and maintain fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.Utilize fire detection systems and gas monitors to provide early warning of potential hazards.

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Workplace Accident Compensation – 4 Employee Questions, Answered

Ideally, employers should be the ones noticing their staff about any hazard that may put their health or, worse, life in danger.

This is a moral obligation, and, in some cases, it is required by the law to protect workers from any potential accidents and ensure the workplace remains a safe zone.

Workplace Accident Compensation – 4 Employee Questions: eAskme

But, unfortunately, there are many cases in which workplace safety comes second, and this needs to change.

More than 1.6 million employees reported suffering a workplace injury in the UK alone or dealing with a health condition caused by their job in 2019-2020.

This equals 38.8 million working days lost due to workplace-related incidents.

The reasons for these incidents vary from lack of training, using faulty machinery, or simply tripping over a cord that someone left in the way.

If an employee has been the victim of a workplace accident that happened due to employer negligence, they are entitled to receive compensation.

However, for this to happen, the employee needs to file a personal injury claim against their employer and prove the accident could have been prevented with better care.

Although workplace injuries are common, the subject is not very talked about in workplace environments, leaving employees with dozens of unanswered questions. Ideally, the staff should know what their rights are and how they need to act in case of an accident, so we have decided to help.

Below, we will be answering some of the most commonly asked questions about filing a workplace injury compensation claim to help employees understand what they should or should not do if they have fallen victim to a workplace accident.

What qualifies as a workplace accident?

If an employee gets injured in the workplace due to employee negligence, they have been the victim of a workplace accident.

The employer becomes responsible for the accident if proof that their actions or inactions have been a direct contributor to the situation.

This covers many situations, such as:

• Providing superficial training or no training at all
• Allowing employees to use faulty equipment
• Fending off repairs around the workplace, despite them being a health and safety concern
• Not complying with Health and Safety regulations in the country

These situations are not uncommon in many UK workplaces, especially in the manufacturing, transportation, warehouse, and automotive industries, where employees need to operate heavy machinery or navigate crowded facilities.

Besides one-time events such as slip and fall accidents, workplace assault, faulty equipment, or injuries caused by a falling object, health hazards repeated exposure to specific work activities could also qualify as workplace-related injuries.

In most cases, these happen when the employer fails to provide proper equipment for employees to do their job safely and can result in: loss of hearing, respiratory problems, back pain, and burns.

Does the claim cover all expenses related to the accident?

Victims of workplace accidents often have to suffer long-lasting effects.

Apart from the injuries and physical anguish they need to face, victims may also have to deal with substantial financial losses due to their incapacity to work or the need for prolonged rehabilitation.

This is why medical expenses aren't the only financial aspect covered by compensation claims.

If you have been the victim of a workplace injury and you want to file for compensation, the following expenses can be covered by your claim:

• General damage: this covers physical injuries, mental distress, or decline in life quality
• Special damage: this includes other financial losses due to the accident, including home adaptation, future prescriptions, physical therapy, or rehabilitation
• Loss of income: this includes unpaid sick leave during the recovery process, as well as any form of financial aid that covers loss of income
• Travel costs: this covers plane tickets, fuel costs, as well as any other type of travel expenses related to the accident or recovery
• Caretaker costs: this covers caretaker expenses in case the victim needs to receive special help

How is the value of a personal injury claim decided?

Suppose you are expecting to get rich overnight by tripping over a loose cord at work.

In that case, you may be in the wrongs here, as the value of a personal injury claim is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of accident, injuries sustained, duration of the recovery process, and total financial losses.

As personal injury experts at UKLaw point out, providing as many details and documents that support your claim will make it easier for your lawyer to determine how much compensation you should expect to receive.

While each accident is different, here's an estimate of what employees suffering a workplace injury can expect to receive when filing a compensation claim:

• Head injuries with no brain damage – approximately £36,000
• Ear injuries that result in loss of hearing – approximately £93,000
• Back injuries that don't result in permanent damage – approximately £33,000
• Arm fracture and injuries – approximately £15,000
• Knee injury that results in minor disability – approximately £22,000

I was in an accident two years ago. Can I still claim?

Personal injury cases can be very time-sensitive, which is why the victim is encouraged to file a claim as soon as possible.

If this does not happen, evidence can get lost, witnesses can change their statements, or victims can end up receiving little to no compensation.

In the United Kingdom, victims that qualify for a personal injury claim need to file for compensation within a three-year timeframe since the moment of the accident.

This is known as the statute of limitations, and if the claim is filed after this period ends, compensation may be denied.

There are, however, instances in which the statute of limitations can be extended.

Most of the time, it has to do with the victim's mental state and capacity to comprehend the actions needed.

If the victim proves they were not in full mental capacity to file a personal injury claim, the statute of limitations can be extended to accommodate the special situation.

If you still have any question, feel free to ask me via comments.

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Workplace Accident Prevention: What Employers Should Do To Keep Their Staff Safe

Perhaps running a company has always been a dream of yours. After years of hardship and perseverance, you finally made it happen.

You turned your dream into reality. Of course, the last thing you want is for someone from your staff to get injured on the job.

If we lived in a perfect world where everything always went according to plan, you wouldn’t have to worry about this. 

Workplace Accident Prevention: What Employers Should Do To Keep Their Staff Safe: eAskme

Others are also reading:  Personal Information That Your Employer Needs to Know

Unfortunately, any job comes with a certain degree of risk.

Even if you work at a desk in an office, you could slip and fall on your way to the coffee machine.

And some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others.

There’s always a chance that someone in your company will have an accident and get injured, and this can have serious consequences for you as their employer. 

First of all, if they get hurt they might need to take some time off to recover.

The work will still need to get done so it will be shifted on the rest of your staff. They already have their regular workload, so even in ideal conditions it’s still likely that you’ll notice a decline in productivity.

Furthermore, if this is a recurring problem rather than a one-time incident, constantly shifting the workload on other employees and putting them under more pressure will incentivize them to take time off as well, or it might even increase your turnover rate. It’s a vicious cycle. 

This vicious cycle will also have a detrimental impact on morale because if you don’t take measures to increase safety in your company’s working environment, your employees might get a sense that you don’t care about their well-being and therefore you do not value their contribution.

People want to work for companies that appreciate them and where they feel safe. They also don’t want to worry about accidents and injuries. 

Legally speaking, it’s your responsibility as their employer to take the required precautionary measures to protect their health and safety while they are at work.

Neglecting this responsibility will result in investigations, government sanctions and litigation.

Bear in mind that your employees also have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, both physical and psychological.

Lawsuits can be very damaging to your company’s reputation so it can become very difficult to attract customers, investors or business partners. 

The UK has a set of official health and safety guidelines that any company that employs people must adhere to.

A few decades ago, overcrowded factories with completely inadequate safety policies were not uncommon.

This, as you would expect, led to many accidents and injuries which is why we needed the regulatory reforms that relegated this “management style” to a bygone era. 

That being said, following health and safety guidelines entails more than printing them on paper and handing them out to your staff.

A health and safety program cannot be successful without employee engagement.

Everyone needs to understand the rules and why it benefits them to follow them.

Slips, Trips and Falls

As we mentioned in the introduction, some types of jobs are inherently more dangerous than others.

But slips, trips and falls can happen in any sort of working environment.

They’re the most common workplace accidents and also the hardest to prevent.

A third of workplace injuries result from slips, trips and falls. Injuries typically involve pulled muscles, sprains, injuries to the back, head and neck, cuts and bone fractures. 

They’re the hardest to prevent because there are so many factors that can cause them such as slippery surfaces, obstructions on the walking paths, loose rugs, wrinkled carpeting, unsecured cables and poor lighting.

They’re also more likely to happen in working environments where employees are pressured with unrealistic productivity targets that cause them to rush. 

To minimize the risk of slips trips and falls you need to regularly perform inspections to check for the causes we enumerated above.

It’s best to assign someone to check for potential hazards and encourage everyone in your team to report any issues so they can be quickly remedied.

You’ll also need to provide your employees with safety training so they know what to look out for, what to avoid and how to handle hazards. 

Lifting, Handling, or Carrying 

Handling large items is another common cause of workplace injuries.

We’ve all been taught to lift with our knees because lifting with your back is dangerous.

Despite this, our instinct remains to lift with our backs and we need to be told repeatedly until we finally get used to the proper procedure.

This proves that training is necessary.

If your employees often have to lift, handle and carry heavy objects and you know that the proper, safe techniques don’t come naturally, you need to make sure that they follow procedures and don’t hurt themselves.

Remember that if they hurt themselves, it’s your responsibility.

It’s also a good idea, when possible, to purchase equipment that can lift and carry heavy objects so your employees don’t have to.

It’s more efficient and can minimize the risk of injuries, but you also have to make sure that you train your staff on how to use the equipment. 

Overexertion and Repetitive Stress

Doing the same thing, hour after hour, day after day can strain nerves, tendons and muscles.

If your employees have to perform tasks that require repetitive motions, they’re at higher risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder that can affect not only their ability to work, but also to their personal lives.

They’ll experience symptoms like weakness, swelling, numbness, stiffness and pain. It can also lead to chronic back problems. 

Our bodies are not made to do the same motion over and over again for such long periods of time. To reduce the risk, you have to reduce the strain caused by this type of work.

First, you’ll need to make sure that your work stations are ergonomically sound and comply with health and safety standards.

Repetitive movements are less strenuous if employees can perform them while maintaining a healthy and comfortable posture. 

It’s also extremely important to allocate enough time for breaks.

The breaks need to be scheduled at regular intervals and you need to make sure that the employees take them.

They need time to stretch and rest so they don’t strain and injure their bodies.

If you still have any question, feel free to ask me via comments.

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