Texas Construction Accident Lawyer

Common Construction Accidents

Some of the most common construction accidents include:

1. Falls: Falls from height, such as scaffolding or ladders, are one of the most common causes of construction site injuries and fatalities.

2. Struck-by accidents: These accidents occur when workers are hit by objects such as falling debris, equipment, or vehicles on the construction site.

3. Caught in/between accidents: Workers can get caught in or between heavy machinery or construction materials, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

4. Electrocutions: Construction sites often involve electrical work, and workers may be exposed to live wires or faulty electrical systems.

5. Trench or Ground Collapses: This includes accidents involving trench collapses, structural failures, or wall collapses.

6. Machinery accidents: Workers can be injured while operating or working near heavy machinery or equipment.

7. Fires and explosions: Construction sites may involve flammable materials or hazardous substances that can cause fires or explosions.

8. Overexertion: Straining from lifting heavy objects or repetitive stress movements can lead to injuries.

9. Slips, trips, and falls: Uneven surfaces, debris, and poor housekeeping can result in slips, trips, and falls.

10. Respiratory hazards: Workers may be exposed to dust, fumes, or harmful substances that can affect their respiratory system.

11. Crane and Hoist Accidents: Lack of employee training, operator error and other negligent action factors lead to heavy machinery accidents. These accidents often result in horrific injuries and even death.

12. Demolition Accidents: Demolition often involves explosives and place workers in immediate danger. Construction workers can avoid some demolition accidents but some are unavoidable. Construction workers must have adequate safety equipment and training to reduce hazards. Common demolition injuries include burns, lacerations, brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis and fatality.

13. Gas Leaks, Fires , Explosions: These accidents occur suddenly, unexpectedly and are sometimes fatal. Carbon Monoxide is often a culprit and extra care should be taken including mandatory safety protocols. Other chemical and gas leaks, equipment malfunctions, and electrical issues can cause accidents. Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins can cause construction workers to suffer severe respiratory illnesses. Fires and explosions may cause first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns, disfigurement, lung problems, smoke-inhalation illnesses, and death. Often, liability will default to a materials manufacturer, sub-contractor, or other responsible party whose negligence led to malfunction or a similar disaster.

14. Forklift Accidents: To operate machinery like a forklift, employees must have undergone proper training. Additionally, whenever operating a forklift, the operator must be alert and attentive to prevent injury to bystanders. While commonplace to many construction sites, forklifts are dangerous and contribute to severe accidents.

15. Elevator Shaft Accidents: Construction workers working on elevator shafts risk falling through the shaft. To prevent this, your employer must mark the site appropriately to prevent workers from falling in accidentally. Likewise, all employees must follow safety precautions.

16. Scaffolding Accidents: Scaffolding accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries that could result in long-term or lifelong disabilities. They could also result in tragic fatalities that could have potentially been avoided.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated 2.3 million construction workers – about 65% of the construction industry – work on scaffolds. Painters, ironworkers, carpenters, steelworkers, bricklayers and electricians are just some examples of construction workers who work on scaffolding. It’s important to note that safety measures and regulations vary by country and region.

Construction companies and workers should always prioritize safety and follow proper protocols to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

For the most current information, I recommend consulting updated sources on construction safety statistics and practices.