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Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work, and the stats prove it. How bad is it? Both across the U.S. and right here in Texas, people get hurt – and sometimes even die – in all kinds of ways due to construction accidents.

Take a look at these facts:

• Every day, two construction workers die in the U.S. due to injuries on the job.
• Twenty percent of all workplace deaths are in the construction industry, which is the highest rate of all industries.
• Most construction site fatalities occur right around noon.
• Texas had the highest number of work fatalities in the U.S. in 2016, and many were related to the construction industry.

In this post, we’re going to detail the most common types of construction accidents and what can be done to prevent them.

Construction Accidents Texans Have to Watch For

Thousands of people work on construction sites in our state, and unfortunately, many of those workers suffer injuries on the job every year. These are the most common causes of construction accidents.

Construction Machinery

Accidents with construction machinery are common because machinery is powerful and large. For example, if you have an accident with an onsite concrete mixer, you could face serious injuries simply due to the sheer size and weight of the machinery.

Construction Vehicles

Forklifts, backhoes, front-end loaders, and other construction vehicles are frequently involved in construction accidents that can cause life-threatening injuries.

Materials and Parts

If rebar, fencing, drywall, bricks, stone, or other materials fall on you, you could experience serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury.

Collapsing Walls

Not every wall stands up the way it is intended, especially in high winds. If a wall collapses on you while you are working, you are at risk of long-term injury – or even death.

Electrocutions

Even if you take proper precautions, electrocution can accidently occur when using power tools or from faulty wiring.

Power Tools

Electric- or battery-powered tools are essential for fast-paced construction. Unfortunately, their power poses a high risk of injury. In a fraction of a second, you could experience serious injury from a power drill, pneumatic nailer, saw, or other power tool.

Manual Tools

Many construction workers still rely on hammers, pliers, and wrenches to do their work. However, even manual tools like these can slip from your grip or fall on your foot and cause damage.

Falls from Heights

Falls represent almost 37 percent of construction site fatalities. Specifically, falling from heights, scaffolding, or rooftops is the top reason for construction site deaths. It is, in fact, the main reason why the construction industry is so dangerous.

Ladder Falls

Falls from ladders are another type of common accident. Using the wrong ladder for the job or placing too much weight on the ladder can cause you to fall.

Getting Caught In-between

If you are trapped between structures, materials, or equipment, you could get crushed in only seconds. This is a surprisingly common reason for construction accidents.

Improper Lifting

Construction workers often lift heavy weights that exceed 50 pounds. Heavy lifting puts enormous strain on your back and can result in serious injuries that may require surgery.

Slip and Fall Accidents

These types of accidents are extremely common on construction sites, because construction workers operate in all different types of weather. Slick or windy conditions can cause accidents. Spills or debris on the ground can also cause slip and fall accidents.

Stairwells

Accidents happen when workers must build or repair stairwells, which pose dangers due to awkward angles and height.

Being Struck by Another Object or Equipment

If you are struck by a heavy or large object or by a piece of equipment, your chances of injury are high.

Seeking Legal Help for a Texas Construction Accident

If you have experienced injury on a construction worksite, you need to consult with a skilled Texas personal injury attorney about your right to compensation.

As soon as the accident happens, get medical attention, even if you don’t feel any negative effects right away. The medical report is often the best evidence to support your claim.

Report your injury to your employer. Also, record information from witnesses. Their testimony could prove vital in your case. Take photos of your injury and the site of the accident.

After you have taken these steps, contact a qualified personal injury attorney who has experience successfully handling cases like yours. You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other expenses. Call today for a free consultation.

About the Author:

Jeff Hampton has been practicing law in Texas in 2005, first in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor, and now as a private attorney with the Hampton Eppes Law Group, protecting the rights of Texans who have suffered injury due to negligence or are facing criminal charges. His success in helping people with their legal troubles has been recognized by clients and peers alike, with a Top Attorney designation and 10/10 Superb Rating on Avvo, and a place on the National Trial Lawyers list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.