Causes of WV Construction Accidents

Common Causes of WV Construction Accidents

Jobs in the construction industry are some of the most dangerous. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more fatalities occurred in the construction industry than in any other sector in 2023. Thousands of construction workers are injured or become ill due to dangerous work conditions every year.

Identifying potential hazards on the construction site is key to worker safety. In this blog, our WV construction accident lawyers review some common causes of construction accidents, what you can do to minimize your risk, and what you can do if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a construction accident.

The Top Four Causes of Construction Fatalities

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reported that construction site fatalities are most commonly caused by four types of accidents: falls, electrocution, being struck by objects, and being caught in or between objects.

Falls Are the Most Common Cause of Construction Injuries

According to OSHA statistics, falls are responsible for 47 percent of construction accidents—and fall protection guidelines are the most commonly violated OSHA safety standards. Construction site falls can be prevented by using proper fall arrest equipment and perimeter protection. Openings in floors should be properly covered and labeled, and ladders and scaffolding should be used with caution.

Electrocution Hazards in the Construction Industry

One study found that construction workers are more than four times as likely to be involved in electrocution accidents than workers in all other industries combined. Best practices for preventing electrocution and related injuries include being aware of where the power lines are located when you are working, keeping a safe distance away from them, and using ground-fault surge protectors.

Falling Objects and “Struck by” Injuries

Getting struck by an object is another of the most common causes of construction injuries. In the majority of cases, these accidents involve heavy equipment like cranes or trucks, but the risk of being struck and injured on a construction site can come from various places and activities. Wearing protective equipment, like hard hats, and observing the proper safety procedures for every situation can help prevent or minimize these injuries.

Getting Caught in or between Equipment and Other Objects

The last of the top four causes of construction site accidents is getting caught in machinery or trapped in trenches, cave-ins, or excavation sites. These accidents can happen suddenly and without warning. Awareness of the surrounding environment and following guidelines for excavation and trenching can help workers avoid these accidents and the often serious injuries that can result.

Additional Causes of Construction Accidents

Equipment Related Injuries

Injuries related to equipment and heavy machinery are another reason accidents occur on construction sites. Sometimes, faulty equipment can cause unnecessary accidents and injuries. It’s important to always maintain equipment used on-site, inspect it regularly to make sure it performs as it should, and replace faulty equipment when necessary. Be sure to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as this can decrease your chances of sustaining an equipment-related injury.

Hearing Loss from Excessive Noise

If you use heavy machinery that makes excessive noise, it is important to use proper ear protection. Loud machinery or working on a construction site where there are loud noises can lead to hearing loss. Tinnitus and other hearing-related injuries are some of the most common injuries construction workers deal with long-term.

Repetitive Movements and Manual Labor Injuries

Repetitive movement like constant lifting or bending can take a toll on your body over time. When you do not use the proper form or techniques or are engaged in repetitive movements over time, you can cause injury to your body.

These types of injuries are often referred to as manual handling injuries and are the result of constantly lifting, pushing, and carrying. Using proper technique, not lifting more than you can handle, and limiting the number of repetitive movements you do can help you minimize your risk of injury. Lift belts, braces, hoists, and other equipment should be available on the site for lifting and moving heavy objects.

When Do Workers Need WV Construction Accident Lawyers?

Injuries on construction sites are a fairly common occurrence. If you have been injured on the job site, you may be entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation or other avenues if a third party was involved and/or responsible.

Regardless of the causes of WV construction accidents, it’s important to seek legal representation when an injury or death results from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. At Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson, our experienced West Virginia accident lawyers provide the legal counsel and representation workers deserve. Reach out today by calling 304-263-0900 or completing this online contact form to request a consultation to discuss your case.