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How To Prevent Construction Accidents In The Workplace


Construction is a very dangerous industry. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that there were approximately 1,061 work-related deaths in the construction industry in 2019. Furthermore, this figure was the highest number of deaths among construction workers since 2007. The following article will discuss 5 of the most common causes of workplace construction accidents and will provide some tips to prevent these types of accidents.

Top 5 Causes of Construction Workplace Accidents

The top 5 causes of construction workplace accidents are:

  1. Falls: Falls are the top cause of construction workplace accidents. This includes falls off roofs, ladders, scaffoldings, and skyscrapers, and also includes falls into unprotected holes or improperly constructed walking/working areas.
  2. Slips and Trips: In the construction industry, there are many hazards present that could result in a slip or trip accident. For example, there may be uneven ground or open platforms which could cause an accident if the proper protections are not in place.
  3. Being Struck by an Object: Swinging or falling objects (for example, from rigging failures, loose materials, and equipment malfunctions) can also pose a threat to construction workers.
  4. Electrocutions: Construction sites pose a specifically high risk of electrocutions because of exposed wiring and potential wet conditions while working (i.e. rain/snow). This risk can also be heightened by the presence of overhead power lines, circuit malfunctions, and lightning strikes.
  5. Getting Caught or Crushed: These incidents include workers getting crushed by machines, being caught in excavation collapses, and being crushed between moving equipment.

Tips for Preventing Construction Workplace Accidents

Construction accidents are preventable if the proper steps are taken to ensure the safety of construction workers. There are a few tips for preventing construction accidents in the workplace:

  1. Clean your work area. If your work area is cluttered with debris and tools, it can cause you to slip and fall. If you frequently clean your work area, you can reduce the occurrence of these types of accidents.
  2. Stay educated. Employees should ensure that they are consistently updated on the appropriate safety measures for the workplace and that they are adhering to these measures to reduce accidents.
  3. Prevent falls. Because falls are the most common type of construction accidents, safety measures such as guardrails and scaffolding should be used to prevent falls.
  4. Wear proper attire. Construction workers can be severely injured if they do not wear the appropriate attire (steel-toed shoes, for example). As such, always ensure that you are wearing the appropriate attire so that you can reduce the impact of what could be a serious injury.

Were You Recently Injured on the Job? Speak to a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney 

If you were recently injured on the job, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation. The Chicago workers’ compensation attorney at Connolly Injury Law can help you receive the benefits you are entitled to and answer any questions you may have regarding the workers’ compensation claim process.

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