What Are the Most Common Construction Site Injuries?
There are around 700,000 construction workers in Texas, making it one of the most popular states to find construction work. Unfortunately, though, construction work is not without its dangers.
Employers have a responsibility to make job sites safe, but accidents still happen. Below, we cover the most common injuries on construction sites and what to do if you’re injured.
Danger of Construction Sites
Job sites present a variety of situations where construction accidents may occur. Construction site dangers include:
- Fires and explosions
- Working at a height
- Improper equipment
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Lack of training
- Falling objects or debris
- Slipping or falling over
Employers must take reasonable steps to ensure that a construction site is safe. This duty includes:
- Offering workers the right training to move around safely
- Providing the right uniform, tools, and equipment to perform jobs
- Maintaining equipment and repairing defects promptly
- Routinely inspecting job sites for hazards
If an employer fails to maintain a safe job site, accidents are more likely. And worryingly, construction site fatalities are rising. Our wrongful death attorneys can help with fatal workplace accidents – call today to learn more
Construction Site Injuries
The types of injuries workers may sustain on the job depend on the type of accident they have. However, some injuries are more common than others. Here’s a rundown of the leading job site injuries and why they occur.
1. Bone Injuries
One of the leading causes of accidents in the construction industry is slipping or falling. Slips, trips, and falls can all lead to bone injuries, including:
- Fractures
- Bone bruises
Some broken bones are especially serious and lead to chronic pain or long-term disability. It can also take a significant amount of time to recover from broken bones, leading to lost income.
2. Head Injuries
Head injuries vary in severity, from minor bruises to catastrophic trauma. Head injuries often occur in “struck-by” incidents, meaning the victim is struck by an object. Common head injuries include:
- Concussion
- Skull fractures
- Contusion
- Brain bleed
Some injuries can lead to significant disability in the long-term.
3. Electrocution
Electrocution is a leading cause of construction site injuries and death in Texas. It’s one of the major causes of injury after slips, falls, and struck-by accidents. Common culprits include power lines and faulty equipment. Injuries include:
- Burns
- Loss of muscle control
- Organ damage
- Heart attack
Electrocution can cause death in severe cases.
4. Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries mean damage to your body’s joints and soft tissues. Soft tissues include muscles, ligaments, tendons, spinal discs, and cartilage. Common construction injuries include:
- Pulled muscles
- Ruptured muscles
- Ligament and tendon damage
- Cartilage injuries
- Spinal disc herniations
Serious injuries, especially any injury to the spine, can lead to long-term impairment.
5. Limb Loss
Amputation injuries, or limb loss, can occur in severe construction accidents. These types of injuries are more common after explosions or equipment malfunction. However, they can happen after any incident, depending on the level of damage.
Limb loss can cause significant pain and suffering. It also affects the victim’s quality of life and job prospects.
6. Vision Damage
Eye injuries are common on construction sites. Damage can occur from irritation or direct trauma. Severe injuries may lead to a permanent loss of vision, blindness, or loss of an eye.
Other common job site injuries include:
- Cuts and bruising
- Internal bleeding
- Penetrative wounds
- Exposure injuries
What to Do if You’re Injured on a Job Site
If you’re hurt on the job, here’s what to do.
- Report the accident to your employer. Do this as soon as possible. Reporting the incident helps to prove the accident happened and what caused it.
- Get medical help. Even if you don’t think your injuries are “serious”, some injuries take days – or weeks – to appear. Until a doctor examines you, it’s impossible to say what injuries you have. And we can use medical records to support your accident claim.
- Call an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses after an accident. An accident attorney can help you file a claim against your employer or a Worker’s Comp claim for your injuries.
Workplace Injury Attorneys in Houston, TX
Do you have a construction injury? The Alexander Law Firm can help. Our experienced workplace accident attorneys are on hand 24/7 to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
You have nothing to lose – all first consultations are free! Contact us today to discuss your case.