Construction sites are extremely dangerous environments, and many thousands of construction workers suffer injuries every year while doing their jobs. Some of these injuries are light, and might require a week or so of time off of work to recover from, while others can change their victim’s life forever. Here are five of the most commonly reported construction site accidents.
Malfunctioning equipment
The manufacturers of power tools and heavy machinery on construction sites implement extensive safety measures and testing to ensure that their products are as safe as possible. Even so, malfunctions happen. When machinery doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, you can easily suffer injuries.
Falls
Construction often requires workers to be up high on scaffolding. If safety harnesses and lines are worn out and frayed, they can sometimes give out under stress – right when you need them the most.
Falling debris
Just like people, building materials and tools can often fall off of high heights. This presents a danger to workers below. Even if you are wearing your hard hat like you should, a brick or drill falling from an enormous height can cause you serious damage or even death.
Physical overexertion
Working in construction requires lots of heavy lifting, repetitive movements and physical stress. As a result, it’s not uncommon for workers to experience back injuries, muscle and joint strain and overall physical exhaustion while on the job. If left untreated, some of these conditions can get much worse over time, and can even lead to permanent disabilities.
Exposure to dangerous substances
Whether it’s inhaling fiberglass or asbestos fibers, or getting chemicals on your skin, there are many ways you can be harmed by dangerous substances while on the job. Sometimes these substances can cause minor irritation. Other times they can result in chemical burns, blisters and even lung disease such as mesothelioma.
Construction workers suffer some of the highest numbers of workplace injuries of any profession. Luckily, if you do suffer a workplace injury, there are programs in place – such as workers’ compensation – to make sure that you receive the resources you need to make a full recovery and return to work after your injury.