Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. Even with strict safety protocols in place, accidents still frequently occur on construction sites, often resulting in serious or fatal injuries. While no two construction accidents are exactly alike, most stem from a handful of common hazards and causes. Being aware of these major accident triggers is the first step toward preventing them.
Falls
Falls make up around a third of all construction site injuries and fatalities each year. Falls can be caused by:
- Unstable working surfaces – Scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops without proper railings are common culprits. Securing footing and guardrails can help prevent falls. All scaffolding should be fully planked and have guardrails installed. Make sure ladders are secure and placed on level surfaces.
- Slippery conditions – Rain, materials spills, and uneven terrain can all contribute to slips and falls. Keeping work areas clear of debris and wearing proper footwear helps reduce risk. Clean up spills immediately and use mats, gravel or other materials to improve traction in muddy areas.
- Poor lighting – Dimly lit or dark areas increase the chances of falls. Adequate lighting should be provided for all work zones. Use portable lights to illuminate walkways and work areas.
- Lack of fall protection – Working at heights above 6 feet without proper harnesses, guardrails, and netting is extremely dangerous. OSHA requires appropriate fall protection to be used in these situations. Tie-off with a body harness when working from scaffolds or lifts.
- Equipment misuse – Using ladders, scaffolds, and lifts improperly accounts for many construction falls. Proper training is essential. Never use damaged equipment and follow weight limits and capacity signs.
- Unprotected floor and wall openings – Falls through elevator shafts, stairwells, and other openings are preventable with proper covers and guardrails. Secure covers and rails around all openings. Use hole covers rated for expected loads.
- Unstable structural steel – Falls occur frequently during steel erection before the structure is stabilized. Follow controlled decking zone protocols to minimize unsecured areas. Always tie off in these zones.
Struck By Objects
Construction workers are often struck by flying, swinging, or falling objects, which account for around 10% of construction site injuries. Some causes include:
- Dropped tools or materials – Workers above often accidentally drop items, endangering those below. Securing tools and materials can help prevent drops. Use tool lanyards to secure tools when working at heights.
- Swinging booms and loads – Cranes and derricks can swing unexpectedly, hitting nearby workers. Establishing a swing radius safety zone helps keep workers clear. Mark the crane’s maximum swing radius on the ground and keep the area clear.
- Vehicles – Backing up or poor visibility contribute to workers being struck by trucks and heavy equipment. Spotters, cameras, and high-visibility clothing help increase driver awareness. Ensure backup alarms are functional and require spotters for large vehicles and earthmoving equipment.
- Collapsing structures – Walls, trenches, scaffolds, and formwork that are not reinforced or shored properly can collapse unexpectedly onto workers. Ensuring proper structural integrity prevents collapse. Have structures inspected by engineers prior to pour and removal of shoring.
- Flying particles – Masonry, concrete, wood and metal shards created by cutting, drilling, chiseling, or grinding can strike nearby eyes. Wear eye protection when working with such tools and materials.
- Swinging counterweights – Crane counterweights can swing out and strike objects in their path during certain movements. Keep equipment swing zones clear.
Electrocution
Electrical hazards cause around 4% of construction fatalities each year. Risks include:
- Overhead power lines – Tools, ladders, cranes, and other equipment accidentally coming into contact with power lines accounts for many electrocutions. Identifying line locations and minimum safe working distances helps prevent these incidents. Use a spotter when moving tall equipment like cranes and booms near lines.
- Faulty wiring and equipment – Using damaged cords, missing ground pins, improperly wired tools, or overloaded circuits can lead to electrocution. Inspecting equipment and installing GFCIs helps reduce risk. Hire a licensed electrician to handle all site wiring tasks.
- Water and electricity – Wet conditions make it easier for electricity to flow through the body. Use extra caution when working in rain or flooded trenches. Stop outdoor work during storms and rain. Use waterproof connectors and GFCI extension cords if power tools are needed.
- Lack of training – Many workers are unaware of electrical risks and proper safety protocols. Comprehensive electrical safety training is vital. Train all workers to recognize overhead line locations and maintain minimum safe distances.
Caught In/Between Accidents
Construction workers may become caught or crushed in equipment and structures in multiple ways:
- Trench cave-ins – Improper shoring causes thousands of preventable trench collapses each year. Excavations over 5 feet deep legally require adequate sloping, shoring, or shielding to prevent cave-ins. Have trenches evaluated and shored by trained competent persons.
- Machinery entanglement – Moving parts like conveyor belts, augers, mixers, etc. can catch loose clothing or hair. Proper machine guarding and wearing fitted clothing reduces risks. Make sure machine guards are kept in place and teach workers not to bypass safety devices.
- Collapsing materials – Stored materials can collapse and crush victims if not stacked securely. Keeping material piles neat and under the safe height limit prevents accidents. Stack lumber, pipe, and other materials using proper stacking techniques within height limits.
- Struck by vehicles – Construction zones in high traffic areas put workers at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. Proper signage, barriers, and rerouting traffic away from work zones protects workers. Use signage, concrete barriers, fencing or flashing arrows to alert drivers of work areas.
- Unguarded rebar – Protruding rebar can impale workers who slip or trip and fall onto it. Capping rebar ends until they are ready to be tied into place helps prevent these accidents. Never leave rebar uncapped.
Other Hazards
Some other common construction accident causes include:
- Fires and explosions – Flammable material vapors, improperly wired equipment, and chemical reactions can ignite fires and explosions. Store combustibles safely, ventilate vapor accumulation, and follow hot work permit procedures. Store propane, gasoline and other flammables away from heat sources or activities like welding.
- Hazardous material exposures – Asbestos, silica, lead, and other toxic substances may be released during demolition, drywall cutting, or similar tasks. Proper PPE and containment procedures are critical. Test for hazardous materials like asbestos and lead before demolition. Use wet methods and ventilation when cutting concrete or drywall to reduce silica dust.
- Lack of training – With heavy reliance on temporary workers, some employees lack the skills or experience needed to safely perform hazardous work. Thorough training and supervision is crucial. Document all safety training and only allow properly trained workers to operate equipment or perform hazardous tasks like working at heights.
- Fatigue – Long hours and shifts without proper breaks leads to slowed reaction time and poor decision making that causes accidents. Follow a maximum work hour schedule and ensure adequate rest between shifts.
Construction will always carry some degree of risk, but being informed about the most common hazards allows workers and companies to take the proper precautions to prevent accidents and save lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Texas, contact an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a free consultation on recovering the compensation you deserve. Call 800-4THE-WIN today and see how our personal injury attorney Houston can help.
