Construction Site Dangers

Construction workers face many perils each day, but four particular dangers account for more than half of its worker fatalities each year. These four construction site dangers have been deemed the “Fatal Four,” as they cause an average of 602 deaths each year. The “Fatal Four” are:

• Falls from Height: Falls account for 4 out of every 10 construction worker fatalities. Construction workers climb on ladders, up stairways, onto scaffolds, and upon roofs regularly, so falls are common. When a worker falls from a great height, severe injuries such as spine or neck injuries, broken bones, or even fatalities can result.
• Struck by Object: This type of incident accounts for nearly 1 out of every 10 construction worker fatalities. This category consists of being struck by a falling, flying, rolling, or swinging object. Common scenarios are a worker being run over by a vehicle or piece of machinery at a construction site, being injured by a nail shooting out of a nail gun, or having a bricks or a wall fall onto him or her. Workers who are struck by an object may suffer head trauma and broken bones, among other injuries.
• Electrocution: About 1 out of every 12 construction work-related deaths can be attributed to electrocution. Electrical hazards at construction sites can cause electrocution, burns, shock, arc flash, fire, or explosions, all of which can result in worker injury or death. The main sources of electrocution are contact with overhead power lines or energized sources (such as bare wires or defective equipment) and improper use of extension cords.
• Caught In or Between Objects: About 1 out of every 14 construction worker deaths will occur when a worker is caught in or between objects at a construction site. This category includes workers being caught in or crushed by equipment or objects, such as in a collapsing building. Workers may suffer broken bones, head trauma, or crush injuries.

After a construction site injury in the Memphis area, you may be able to pursue multiple claims against multiple parties. You may have a viable workers’ compensation claim through your employer, a personal injury claim against a negligent third party, or a product liability claim against a manufacturer, among others. It is important that you speak with an attorney who is experienced in construction accident cases so he or she can advise you of all causes of action you may have and the benefits to which you may be entitled under the law. An experienced attorney will be able to help you decide which claims to pursue to maximize your recovery.