If you work in the construction industry, you will know that many hazards come with the job. Although there will always be potential dangers associated with the construction industry, it is the responsibility of employers to ensure that comprehensive safety procedures are in place and that the risk of injuries is kept to a minimum.
Even if your employer is ensuring that all necessary safety precautions are in place, accidents can still happen. These injuries can occur as a result of human error, malfunctioning machinery or even adverse weather conditions. If you have been injured on a construction site in Louisiana, you must take action to claim the workers’ compensation damages that you deserve. You should also be aware of the top four causes of accidents and fatalities on construction sites.
Falls
Fatality statistics in 2017 show that falls were the most common cause of fatalities on construction sites, accounting for 39.2% of all recorded deaths. They are also one of the main causes of non-fatal accidents on construction sites. Commonly, falls occur when scaffolding collapses, or when slips occur on elevated platforms, such as on roofs and scaffolding. Falls often lead to broken bones or head and back injuries that could severely impact a person’s life.
Being struck by an object
8.2% of all construction site fatalities in 2017 were caused by a person being struck by an object. When workers are not wearing hard hats, they can be particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries. Even when hard hats are worn, heavy objects falling from a height can still lead to extremely serious injuries.
Electrocutions
A significant amount of construction worker fatalities are caused by electric shocks. This can occur when wiring is faulty or when water is present.
Getting caught or crushed by machinery
5.1% of construction worker fatalities were caused by workers getting crushed or caught by machinery or materials. This may occur when a structure collapses and crushes a person, or when a person gets trapped in machinery.
If you have been injured on a construction site, you will likely be unable to work for some time, and you may be worried about how you will cope financially. By seeking workers’ compensation benefits, you should be able to get the money you need and deserve.