Construction work ranks as one of the most difficult jobs in New York. If a worker sustains an injury, it can be serious enough to put them out of commission while on workers’ compensation. These are common construction site injuries.
Falls
Falls are the most common type of construction site injury. Workers often have to work from heights while on ladders, scaffolding, roofs or chimneys. Good safety equipment can minimize the effects of a fall. Workers need safety harnesses, helmets and nets to catch them in the event of such an accident.
Machinery accidents
Construction work involves a lot of hands-on use of heavy machinery, which can lead to accidents and injuries. A big reason behind machinery accidents is that workers are not properly trained on how to use the machines and other equipment. However, even those who have the right level of training could suffer injuries in an accident if the machinery suddenly malfunctions.
Slips, trips, and falls
Construction workers often suffer injuries from slips, trips, and falls. These accidents typically occur when equipment or debris litters common walking areas. Sometimes, inadequate lighting might be to blame as it’s normal for clutter to be present on construction sites.
Vehicle accidents
Many construction areas are situated on roads and highways. When workers have to do their jobs in such high-traffic areas, some drivers become frustrated and end up driving recklessly. This can lead to construction workers getting hit by cars and suffering injuries that can be catastrophic or even fatal.
Falling objects
Objects sometimes fall on construction sites. If something falls on top of a worker, it can cause serious injuries. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence that results in workers’ compensation claims.
Construction workers deserve to be safe on the job. Some common injuries are preventable with the right precautions implemented by employers.