If you work in the construction industry, you know what a dangerous profession it can be. Accidents can affect careers — or worse, lives.
If you have a work-related injury, you may need help getting the care and benefits you deserve. Fair compensation may be even more important for families left behind due to a work fatality. If you report to a construction site for work, you may be at risk. Here is what you need to know.
Fatal four
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that, in 2018, the leading cause of death to employees in private industry construction jobs was highway vehicle accidents. After that, construction workers fell prey to the following “Fatal Four” occurrences:
- Falls caused 338 deaths, or one-third of the total
- Object strikes killed 112 workers
- Electrocutions accounted for 86 fatalities
- Getting caught in or between structures, objects or equipment took 55 lives
The agency calculates that the industry could save almost 600 lives each year if these four types of accidents did not happen.
Non-fatal injuries
Thankfully, not all construction accidents result in death. Other serious consequences include accidental amputation or disfigurement. If you get hurt on the job, you may suffer traumatic brain injury, which can lead to seizures or coma. You may endure a spinal cord injury that causes paralysis or loss of bladder and bowel control. Injuries that affect joints may render you unable to continue your job.
Positions most at risk
It should not surprise you to discover that general laborers are the most at risk. Next are supervisors, followed by roofers. Electricians and carpenters are the least likely to suffer fatal injuries on constructions sites.
Work-related injuries on construction sites can be dangerous. Awareness may help you stay safe.