There are many causes of accidents on a construction site. Many are often attributed to some form of negligence and can involve unsafe work areas, misuse of tools and equipment, and failure to use protective gear. The nine most common examples of accidents on construction sites are discussed below.
- Unsafe Work Areas – Slip and fall injuries are among the most common on a construction site. Unsafe conditions include uncovered holes or trenches and exposed stakes and rebar (which pose hazards to those who work or walk on them).
- Fall Hazards: A common injury that occurs when a worker near an open-sided floor who is focused on their work steps backward or to the side without looking. Another fall hazard occurs on stairs without railings. In these types of accidents, workers frequently fall on their heads or shoulders.
- Misuse of stepladders: This is one of the leading causes of injury and long-term disability in Washington. An injury can occur when a worker falls from an overturned stepladder. Another accident that can occur with stepladders is when tools are left on the top platform. When someone moves the ladder, the tools fall on someone’s head. Using household ladders on a construction site can also lead to accidents, as these types of ladders cannot withstand the weight and stress of a construction worker with tools.
- Roofing Construction Falls – The leading cause of death in construction occurs when fall protection is not provided. Falls can occur when anchorages (designed to provide fall arrest with an attached lifeline) are not properly attached or when more than one lifeline is attached to a single anchor.
- Scaffolding Issues Washington State regulations require that a “competent person” must supervise the erection of scaffolding. This is someone capable of identifying hazards and having the authority to take immediate corrective action. Despite these regulations, scaffolding accidents still occur due to unsafe access to scaffolding and tools and other materials falling from scaffolding and injuring workers.
- Collapsed excavation walls and trenches: In Washington state, collapsed excavation walls or trenches kill an average of two workers each year. The weight of the earth (2,000-3,000 pounds per yard) prevents a trapped worker from breathing, resulting in death within minutes.
- Power Tool Accidents – These accidents are often caused by not wearing proper eye and hearing protection. Nail gun injuries have increased each year, making eye injuries quite common. Not surprising given that a nail comes out of the gun with the force equivalent to a .22 caliber bullet. Also, not having the proper guards on power tools can lead to cuts and amputations.
- Lifting/Strain – The leading cause of injuries, disability claims and medical costs in construction are soft tissue injuries – strains, sprains and chronic injuries. These are the result of lifting with your back instead of using your legs and not using panel lifters when carrying sheets of drywall, plywood, or siding.
- Vehicle Accidents: Forklift accidents are responsible for worker deaths each year in Washington. A common accident occurs when turning or maneuvering the forklift with the load raised. Another dangerous construction vehicle is the dump truck. A frequent accident involves the dump truck backing up and hitting a pedestrian.
As you can see, a construction site can be quite dangerous. However, many of these accidents can be avoided with common sense and protective measures. Prevention starts with proper awareness and a properly maintained work environment that is safe and secure.
