Construction-Site Dangers and Accidents

December 17, 2019

Accidents and Risks on New Jersey Construction Sites

No matter where you work, there are always going to be some risks involved. However, some jobs are a bit more dangerous, including construction jobs. The reason these jobs are often riskier is that construction workers often work around heavy equipment and deal with heights. The combination of the two makes it easier for someone to make a mistake and get hurt or possibly even die from injuries sustained at a construction site.

Deaths at the Construction Site

Roughly 9 million people are currently working in the construction industry. These individuals are often putting their lives at risk to complete important projects. Safety gear must be worn, and proper protocol must be followed to ensure the safety of these workers. Even with safety measures put in place, a total of 849 people working in the construction industry passed away while on the job in 2012 alone. The number of deaths increased from 2011.

What Are the Causes of Construction-Related Accidents?

A construction site accident can happen for a variety of reasons. It would depend on the job site and the type of work that is being completed by the contractor. We take a look at these below.

Fall Accidents

Unfortunately, many injuries occur as a result of a fall from a building when a construction worker is trying to complete a specific task. These professionals often need to stand on ladders and scaffolding to do different things, such as installing components, painting a building, or even tightening frames. Some workers fall from a scaffolding when they are working above the ground level. Because millions of construction workers depend on scaffolding when they need to reach certain heights, there is a much greater risk involved.

Gashes and Open Wounds

On the other hand, a total of 33 percent of the injuries that are sustained by construction workers on the job involve gashes or open wounds. These professionals often need to handle a lot of different materials, some of which are sharp and heavy. Improperly handling a heavy piece of equipment could lead to cuts and open wounds on the hands, legs, and arms.

Getting Hit with Something

Accidents can even happen when a construction worker gets hit by an object on a job site. If a professional is working on the second floor of a building and there are other workers above him or her when something drops, the object that falls from a higher level could hit that worker in the head or anywhere else on the body, inflicting immediate pain.

Other Common Injuries

There are a few other ways for construction workers to sustain different types of injuries. They may become overheated when working outdoors in scorching temperatures. Some construction workers can overexert themselves, which could potentially cause them to faint and collapse. Different hazards can contribute to the types of injuries a person would sustain. Some construction workers feel that they are not provided with enough safety gear or safety training before they begin working.

What to Do When Injured

When a construction worker is injured at work, there is a good chance that the individual is eligible to receive workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation would cover some of the expenses for the injured person. Depending on the situation, the worker might even be able to file a lawsuit against the contractor that assigned the job. Anyone who has recently been injured should reach out to a workers’ compensation lawyer for advice.

Contact a Morristown Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case

A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey workers’ compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Hoyt & Hoyt, P.C. represent clients in Morris Township, Dover, Rockaway, New Brunswick, and all across New Jersey. Call (973) 828-8187 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 67 East Park Place, 5th Floor, Morristown, NJ 07960, and we also have an office located in New Brunswick, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.