Accidents That Result in the Most Construction Worker Deaths

construction accidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the accidents that result in the most construction worker deaths include:

  • Falls
  • Being struck by objects (such as vehicles and construction materials)
  • Being caught in or in-between objects
  • Electrocutions

OSHA reports that each year, about 20 percent of workplace fatalities are in the construction sector. However, this is no excuse for negligence – and you have options. Our team could explore your rights if you lost a loved one in a New York construction accident.

Explaining the Causes of Accidents that Result in Construction Worker Deaths

In the previous section, we listed the top four contributors to construction work fatalities. OSHA calls these hazards “the Fatal Four.” Here’s a breakdown of each one:

Falls from Significant Heights

Falls are the number one cause of construction accident fatalities. Construction sites should have fall guards and other preventative measures to protect workers if they fall. Workers should also have adequate training when performing work at significant heights.

Getting Caught in or in-Between Objects

Construction workers can get caught, crushed, squeezed, or compressed between two objects. This may include two pieces of heavy machinery, being pulled into a moving object, or being hit by two moving machines.

Each construction site should have emergency protocols in place. So, if a worker gets caught in an object, everyone on the site should know how to respond.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions on construction sites can happen as a result of:

  • Touching a live wire
  • Stepping in a puddle near a live wire
  • Getting hit by lightning
  • Contact with power lines or transformers
  • Tools with frayed or exposed wiring

Electrocutions can cause brain damage, cardiovascular issues, and death. When working with electricity, construction workers should have protective gloves, eyewear, and adequate training.

Being Struck by an Object

Construction workers can suffer serious head trauma if struck by an object. These accidents aren’t limited to materials falling off buildings. They also pertain to situations where objects roll, swing, or hit a worker.

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Possible Injuries on Construction Sites in NY

Most construction worksite accidents do not result in death.  Injured workers oftengo to the hospital and undergo various rounds of treatment..In some instances,, a construction worker may survive their initial injuries, only to succumb to their condition later.

Some injuries that happen on construction sites include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Nerve damage
  • Paralysis
  • Severed limbs
  • Facial trauma
  • Dental trauma

Who’s Most Likely to Get Hurt on a Construction Site?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studied the most-commonly injured construction workers. The organization reported that:

  • Most injured workers were Hispanic males, with this number rising 90 percent from 2011 to 2019.
  • Falls are the leading cause of construction accident-related fatalities.
  • Most fatal falls occur in construction companies with 20 or fewer employees.
  • The number of electrocutions and struck-by-objects accidents have decreased, but being caught in-between objects has remained the same over previous years.

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Construction Companies Have an Obligation to Keep Workers Safe

New York has laws that hold contractors and employers responsible for injuries that happen on construction sites. These parties are required to do everything in their power to create a safe work environment.

This involves:

  • Providing construction workers with protective gear, including helmets, non-conductive gloves, and functioning tools
  • Alerting workers of any previously-known hazards, like live wires or potholes
  • Adequately training new staff
  • Having emergency procedures in place if someone gets hurt
  • Providing fall arrest systems including tie lines and safety harnesses

If a property owner, construction company, or site manager didn’t provide a safe environment for workers, they could be held liable for any resulting damages.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

You Have Options If You Lost a Loved One to a Construction Accident

If you lost a loved one to a construction accident, you could pursue compensation through various avenues. For instance, workers’ compensation insurance could provide death benefits to qualifying survivors.

Additionally, you can file an insurance claim or a lawsuit to recover substantial compensation for each and every type of physical, emotional and economic damage you and your family suffered.

You Can Seek These Damages

Following your loved one’s passing, our firm can seek these and other damages on your behalf:

  • Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life damages
  • Final medical expenses, including feeding tubes and life support
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of consortium, parental guidance, income, and household services

Certain deadlines may limit your window of action, so we encourage you to explore your legal options today.  Do not delay.  If you fail to bring your claim by the deadline, you could be prevented from recovering what you deserve..

Connect with Dansker & Aspromonte LLP Associates to Start a Free Case Review

Since 1988, our firm has advocated for victims of construction accidents and their families. We have secured multi-million-dollar awards for our clients, and our construction accident lawyers are ready to explore your legal options.

During your free case review, our representatives can answer all of your questions, including those regarding accidents that result in construction worker deaths. We address all your concerns, such as identifying what type of construction accidents lead to brain damage.

Call or text (646) 692-0204 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

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