If you’ve worked in the construction industry, you know that contractors become victims of accidents every year. Thousands of them are injured or killed in on-site accidents. To prevent such incidents, it is important to understand what causes the most common construction accidents, so you can take the proper precautions on the job site. To help you out with this, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article on this subject. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, here are the eight most common types of construction-related accidents.

Falls

A trip or slip at a construction site can lead to devastating injuries and even death. A fall at a construction site typically results in injury to the brain, spinal cord, limbs, and internal organs. They can happen in residential buildings and offices, too, so it’s important to protect employees from falls using safety equipment like guardrails.

 If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by negligence or the failure to implement key safety measures, your lawyer can help you get compensation to pay your hospital bills and compensation for lost wages, pain,  suffering, and other damages suffered.

Equipment Collisions

 Construction site machinery is often used to transport large and heavy loads of supplies through crowded areas. Workers cannot afford to be caught off guard while moving these machines and should always be aware of nearby workers and other machinery. Construction workers are at risk of being injured when they operate heavy machinery near other heavy machinery, and sometimes even construction workers can cause accidents. If you’re ever in an accident at work due to someone else’s negligence, it’s best to contact an experienced attorney who helps with construction accident cases as soon as possible. You should always speak with an attorney before deciding on how to handle your case.

Electric Shock

 Electricity can travel through wires, pipes, and other conduits to reach its destination. Something can happen to the wire or conduit, like a break in a wire or a crack in the conduit that stops electricity from reaching its destination. Electricity can also be blocked when someone gets between two wires that are touching each other. If a worker is injured from an electrical shock, he or she could suffer serious injuries. This can be problematic, as many of all construction accidents are due to electrical shock.

 Exposure to Chemicals

 Many contractors working on construction sites—including those in the building and remodeling trades—are exposed to a variety of harmful chemicals as part of the job. Compounds like lead, asbestos, crystalline silica, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may cause cancer and other debilitating illnesses. To minimize the risk of injuries, workers must be trained on all chemicals they could be exposed to. Proper safety precautions should be also taken by construction companies to minimize hazardous exposure to these materials.

 Falling Objects

 From tools to bricks, falling object injuries are an unfortunate occurrence at construction sites around the world. Falling objects, such as those from scaffolding attached to high buildings, can cause severe injury. To avoid an injury like this, never stand under a heavy object, wear a hard hat at all times, and make sure your coworkers are not in harm’s way. Report any defective equipment or unsafe working conditions to management immediately.

 Ladder Accidents

 A slip and fall from a ladder can cause serious injuries, especially if the ladder is defective or if it was not used appropriately. There are multiple ways to stay safe while you are on a ladder, including ensuring that you’re holding the ladder securely and that your ladder was designed to be used in this manner. If the ladder was in any way defective or if it was used inappropriately; the employer may be held liable for your injuries.

 Burn Injuries

 Burn injuries are common in construction work. Welding and grinding tools are the primary cause of burns, but burns can also be caused by exposure to hot surfaces, heated machinery, or even electrical accidents. Burns are especially common in winter months when workers often wear multiple layers of clothing to protect against the cold. These pieces of clothing are more susceptible to catching fire, which can make burns more likely. If a worker sustains serious burns from equipment or another person’s negligence on the job, they might be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits.

 Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries are a big issue on construction sites, as the same motion is performed over and over again. Each time it is performed, pressure builds, which eventually leads to pain and injuries. The most common repetitive motion injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a disorder affecting the wrist nerve, can result when there is pressure on the nearby nerve caused by repetitive activity. Tendinitis, or pain and inflammation of the tendon, can also result from repetitive movement caused by overuse of a joint or muscle group in the body. Both of these conditions result from long-term abuse to joints or muscles in the body.

 Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you gain a better understanding of the most common construction-related injuries. As you can see, there are a multitude of accidents that you need to be wary of while you’re at work. While accidents may happen regardless, keeping yourself informed will go a long way when it comes to preventing avoidable incidents. Be sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind so that you can avoid serious injuries while you’re at work.

Let’s face it, accidents happen. This is why it’s important that you protect yourself as much as you can. If you are looking for experienced worker's compensation lawyers in Los Angeles, then we at Mendez & Sanchez Law are at your service. Our attorneys and team members are here to help you through the difficult legal landscape as we pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today and let us discuss your current accident-related situation.