7 Common Types of Construction Accidents

Common types of construction accidents include events like falling off scaffolding equipment and ladders, equipment failure, and sometimes even harness protection issues that may lead to serious injury or even death. The key to these construction injury cases is investigating them quickly. Many times, they will involve the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and more often than not, they will involve multiple entities.

Often, these types of injuries could have been prevented if different companies, entities, and individuals had followed simple safety rules. Getting to the bottom of what happened and why is crucial.

If you have been involved in a construction accident, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for your 100% free consultation. You will not pay us anything unless we are successful in winning your case.

1. Falls From Height

Height-related accidents are relatively common and may stem from falls from ladders or scaffolding collapses, for example. Sadly, statistics show that falls account for approximately 42% of construction worker fatalities, with many of these falls occurring from 30 feet or higher. As heights can be dangerous, OSHA dictates that any worker who is constructing a leading edge of 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected with some kind of fall protection system.

If you or a loved one has fallen while working on a construction site, contact Zinda Law Group today. We can help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your various injuries, including broken bones, emotional distress, and wrongful death.

2. Equipment Failure

Construction industries rely on various machinery, equipment, and tools for their projects. Thus, it is crucial to maintain these objects, train employees properly, and always adhere to safety standards. Failure to do so is the root cause of many types of construction accidents that result in serious injury or death. For example, if a company does not maintain a crane properly, and the crane collapses, workers could be killed beneath it.

If you have been injured by improperly maintained equipment, contact Zinda Law Group today.

3. Safety Gear Failure or Non-Use

It is not surprising that safety gear is extremely important on construction sites. Wearing and maintaining proper safety gear is crucial for preventing injuries and accidents while working. Unfortunately, 54% of workers killed by a fall from a significant height had no access to a personal fall arrest system. Of those who did have access to one, 23% did not use it.  

According to OSHA, employers are responsible for employee use of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment in all scenarios where there is exposure to hazardous conditions, such as on a construction site. Examples of appropriate gear include safety belts and lifelines, safety nets, safety-toe footwear, and head protection, such as helmets.

If you have been denied safety gear, or if your safety gear has not been properly maintained, contact Zinda Law Group today. We can help investigate your case and determine whether you were provided the proper and adequate safety gear for your workplace.

4. Fires and Explosions

Between the years 2013 and 2017, local fire departments responded to approximately 3,840 fires in structures under construction and 2,580 fires in structures under major renovations each year. Some of these fires were caused by electrical distribution and lighting equipment, heating equipment, torches, burners, and soldering irons, among other factors.

Gas explosions are also fairly common on construction sites. These explosions may occur when the construction site maintains compressed gas cylinders, combustible liquids, chemical tanks, or other gasses. Fire and explosion accidents can cause significant burns, which can become complicated injuries, leaving construction workers with bacterial infections, scars, or even bone and joint problems.  

Have you been injured in a fire or explosion at a construction site? If so, contact Zinda Law Group today.

5. Slips and Trips

Construction sites are filled with various hazards and liquids that may cause a slip, trip, or fall accident. For this reason, it is important to keep worksites clear of obstruction and debris, including keeping tools picked up on surfaces and stairways. Slip and fall accidents, even on the same level, may result in traumatic brain injuries or broken bones.

After being involved in a slip, trip, and fall accident at a construction site, call our team at Zinda Law Group as soon as possible.

6. Gas Leaks and Explosions

Natural gas lines or appliances that suffer damage are likely to release natural gas that often collects in unsafe places. One of the most common causes of gas leaks and subsequent explosions is construction activity. Shovels, heavy machinery, and vehicles can easily puncture the fragile, thin pipes that transport natural gas underground and through structures. Standard construction activity allows many chances for creating a gas leak.

Construction companies and contractors should know to clearly mark the location of gas lines to reduce the risk of damage, but that’s not always the case. Contact Zinda’s gas injury lawyer if you’ve suffered such an injury that wasn’t your fault.

7. Electrical Injuries

Overhead power lines, exposed wiring, and poorly deployed portable generators all pose risks to construction crews who work around them. If an unprotected part of a worker’s body comes into contact with a flowing electrical circuit, the results can be severe. Electrification can cause heart problems, nerve conditions, burns, and more. Sufficient current can even kill; a phenomenon known as electrocution.

Need help? Contact Zinda Law Group Today

Construction accidents may lead to severe injury, or possibly death, as they typically involve heavy equipment or machinery, fires, and/or explosions. In fact, each year, approximately 15 workers die in the United States while on the job as a result of a traumatic injury. Further, victims may require long-term hospitalization, physical therapy, and lost wages. In order to receive compensation for these expenses or loss of income, you must file a personal injury claim. At Zinda Law Group, our team can help investigate your case, guide you through the entire legal process, and fight on your behalf to help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation available.  

If you have been involved in a construction accident, call a Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney today at (800) 863-5312 to set up your free initial consultation. You do not have to worry about paying us anything unless we are able to win you compensation in your case. That is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.