The Complete Guide to Construction Site Accidents
In the construction industry, every successful building tells a story of hard work. But on the other side of the veil, there is always a sad reality: construction site accidents that result in tragic and devastating consequences. In 2021 alone, nearly 20% of workplace deaths were in the construction industry. Despite the countless safety measures, this number continues to be the same.
But why do so many such accidents occur frequently, despite the safety protocols that companies implement?
In this article, we will explore construction site accidents and the protocols that can be implemented to mitigate the risks of such accidents and ensure construction site safety.
Table of contents
- What Is Construction Site Safety, and Why Does It Matter?
- Types of Construction Site Accidents
- Legal and Financial Consequences of Construction Site Accidents
- Final thoughts
What Is Construction Site Safety and Why Does It Matter?
It is not a eureka that employees at the construction site are the most important asset in construction projects. Therefore, ensuring their safety should always be the top priority for the employee. Construction site safety refers to the practices, protocols, and guidelines implemented to minimize the risk of potential hazards.
Unfortunately, construction sites are usually full of activities that can expose the workers to dangers, with several cases with fatal consequences. Therefore, implementing construction safety practices is essential as they eliminate these threats by maintaining safety rules and regulations.
Types of Construction Site Accidents
Falls
Have you ever felt like your heart was racing just watching a construction employee working on the twenty-first floor? Falls are one of the reasons for fatal accidents in construction sites. While working at heights, employees are exposed to a wide suite of risks, such as scaffolding or falling from ladders, which, unfortunately, have fatal consequences.
- Contributing factors: Unstable surfaces, such as uneven or poorly maintained ground, are accounted to be one of the contributing factors for falls at the construction site. Improperly installed scaffolding can easily collapse, leading to severe falls. Environmental conditions can also magnify these risks, making surfaces even more slippery and unstable. Having inadequate fall systems such as guardrails and safety nails can further increase the chances of danger from falling.
- Consequences: Falls at the construction site can lead to serious consequences and very often have fatal outcomes. Typical injuries include broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage that can cause long-term disabilities.
- Prevention: The majority of incidents occurring in construction sites result from falls. Thus, the risks associated with these should be as minimal as possible. In addition, organizing training sessions from time to time could be beneficial. Having knowledge of the potential risks that stem from falling and knowing how to appropriately use available safety equipment will help minimize these types of hazards.
Struck-by Incidents
Struck-by injuries occur when construction employees are hit by falling objects, equipment, or vehicles, which can result in serious injuries. According to OSHA, this type of accident usually happens when an employee comes into contact with flying or falling objects.
- Contributing Factors: Materials or equipment that are not secured properly can easily fall from heights and strike employees on the ground. Moreover, in many cases, heavy equipment, such as cranes, can pose dangers to construction employees, especially when they are not in the designated time zones. The lack of personal protective equipment can also increase the chances of injuries in struck-by accidents.
- Consequences: Struck-by incidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to head trauma. In worst-case scenarios, unfortunately, struck-by incidents can have fatal consequences. The severity of the accident may vary depending on the particular body part that is injured. For instance, certain body parts such as the head, spine, and limbs are much more vulnerable to death cases or long-term damage.
- Prevention: To mitigate the risks of struck-by incidents, it is essential to properly secure and store all the necessary materials, ultimately preventing them from falling. Moreover, companies should designate specific safety zones for their employees and ensure that they are in those areas in case of dangerous situations. They should also monitor and check if the employees are always wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Electrocutions
Electrocution is one of the most serious accidents occurring in the construction industry. According to OSHA, it is estimated that there are more than one thousand electrocution deaths in the US annually. These types of accidents happen when construction employees come into contact with various electrical sources, which may lead to deaths or serious injuries.
- Contributing Factors: Electrocutions can happen for several reasons, the primary of which is the improper grounding of the electrical system. This, unfortunately, exacerbates the risk of electrical shocks, which, very often, can have deadly consequences. Moreover, in some cases, companies utilize malfunctioning power tools or temporary power setups that are not properly maintained. This can increase the risk of electrocutions since faulty equipment may create dangerous conditions, ultimately leading to fatal accidents. Last but not least, electrocutions can happen due to the lack of proper PPE, such as insulated gloves or rubber mats.
- Consequences: Electrocution can have both long-term and short-term consequences on the employees at the construction site. In serious cases, it may result in burns, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest. In some cases, electrocution can have a long-term effect on your employees’ health, affecting their muscles and nervous system. In such cases, employees may need extensive medical treatment to recover before coming back to work.
- Preventative Measures: To minimize the risk of electrocutions at the construction site, it is essential to ensure that all electrical systems are properly grounded and test all the necessary equipment for defects. Moreover, companies should constantly organize training concentrating on such topics as live wires and how to identify the risks of such hazards. Most importantly, construction employees should always wear PPE, such as insulated gloves and rubber boots, which will ensure their safety in case they come across such hazards.
Caught-Between Accidents
Caught-between accidents happen when construction employees are trapped between two objects. According to BLS, in 2021 alone, 143 caught-between accidents occurred at the construction site, having deadly consequences.
- Contributing Factors: One of the major factors contributing to caught-between accidents is the improper use of machinery. Very often, companies utilize poorly maintained machinery or equipment that may move unexpectedly and cause injuries to the employees. Failure to adhere to the lockout/logout protocols can also increase caught-between accidents since employees may be exposed to active or moving machinery. Last but not least, working in confined spaces where there is no proper ventilation can result in situations where employees are caught in accidents.
- Consequences: Caught-between incidents may result in severe injuries, including but not limited to broken bones, crushed limbs, amputations, internal injuries, or even death. These may have a long-lasting impact on employees, very often with permanent disabilities, affecting their ability to work.
- Preventative Measures: To mitigate the risks of being caught between accidents, it is essential to conduct regular inspections and ensure all the equipment is working properly. Implementing safety barriers and guards around moving parts can significantly reduce the risk of such accidents. Construction employees should always follow lockout/tagout procedures when performing maintenance or repairs on machinery. This will ensure that equipment is de-energized and cannot accidentally activate.
Fire and Explosions
Fires and explosions are one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry. According to OSHA, there are about 36 fire and explosion deaths annually worldwide.
- Contributing factors: Several factors contribute to the risk of fires and explosions in the construction site, each seriously affecting employees and construction sites if not properly managed. Typical causes of such incidents include but are not limited to flammable liquids or materials, inadequately maintained electrical wiring, lack of safety protocols, electrical crashes, and compressed gas cylinders.
- Consequences: Fires and explosions can result in several devastating consequences. This may include several burns, as well as traumatic injuries like smoke inhalation. Fires and explosions can also cause permanent disabilities, affecting employees’ eyesight and hearing. In worst-case scenarios, these accidents can lead to deaths.
- Preventative Measures: To minimize the risks of such accidents, it is crucial to follow all the necessary safety protocols and ensure that flammable substances are kept away from heat sources. Moreover, companies should regularly inspect electrical systems and equipment to identify potential hazards before they cause serious incidents and injuries. Employees should also be trained on fire safety and informed about safety protocols, emergency procedures, and recognizing such hazards.
Demolition
Demolition refers to the deliberate act of destroying or wrecking a building. This is usually done for reconstruction purposes.
- Contributing factors: Demolishing buildings that are no longer necessary is a process that requires careful planning. Without a thorough risk assessment, it can lead to severe consequences. The reasons for demolition as a construction site accident may be diverse, such as insufficient safety measures, the presence of hazardous materials, and lack of communication within the team.
- Consequences: Demolition accidents can lead to a variety of devastating consequences. These include but are not limited to broken bones, crush injuries from falling debris, and traumatic brain injuries. In the most severe cases, such accidents can lead to deaths due to collapsing structures, explosions, or fires that may break out during demolitions.
- Preventative measures: One of the primary preventative measures that should be taken is conducting a pre-demolition survey to identify hazards and take the necessary measures to mitigate the risks of such hazards. Additionally, during demolition processes, companies need to ensure that the dust and debris are controlled to protect nearby structures as well as employees.
Overexertion
Overexertion is a common workplace injury in construction that is a consequence of lifting heavy objects, performing repetitive movements, or working longer hours without getting a rest.
- Contributing factors: Overexertion may occur due to a range of factors. Typical reasons include lifting heavy equipment at the construction site, lack of physical conditioning, and overtime working hours. If not addressed properly, construction employees may be at risk of overexertion, leading to serious health injuries.
- Consequences: While the fatality risk is less probable than other accidents, overexertion can still lead to serious health issues. These may include muscle strains and sprains, as well as chronic pain. Such health issues may lead to exhaustion and decrease workers’ productivity.
- Preventative measures: The risk of overexertion can be prevented if all the necessary actions are taken. Utilizing lifting equipment is the most important one since it will help you avoid unnecessary physical strain. Additionally, offering additional resting time will allow your employees to rest and reduce their weariness.
Crane Accidents
Cranes pose a great risk in the construction industry, which, very often, can be life-threatening. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, 44 people die in the US due to crane-related accidents.
- Contributing factors: The reasons behind crane accidents can be diverse. However, the primary reasons for such accidents are the failure of the equipment, poor maintenance, and environmental conditions. Poor communication between the crane operator and the ground crew is yet another important factor that can have deadly consequences.
- Consequences: In most cases, crane accidents have fatal consequences on construction employees due to falling loads. However, they may also lead to serious injuries like broken bones, crushed limbs, and brain injuries. It’s worth pointing out that the employees are not the only asset that is negatively affected by crane accidents as, very often, such accidents can also cause property damage, especially when heavy materials are dropped onto nearby structures.
- Preventative measures: Conducting regular inspections of cranes is an essential step for minimizing the risks of crane accidents. It is also important to assess the stability of the ground and ensure that cranes are fully equipped with everything necessary to adjust to the environmental circumstances. Additionally, crane operators should constantly participate in training to know how to safely operate the crane without causing any accidents.
Forklift Accidents
Forklifts are important construction assets, helping employees move materials and making things easier for them. However, improper use of the equipment can cause harm not only to the employees but also to the property.
- Contributing Factors: Poor maintenance and lack of adequate training of the forklift operator are the main reasons for such accidents. Very often, forklift operators fail to secure loads properly, ultimately increasing the risk of collision and accidents.
- Consequences: Forklift accidents can have a serious impact on the employees’ health. Such accidents may lead to physical injuries like head trauma, broken bones, or crush injuries. These can ultimately lead to long-term disability or even death. Additionally, employees affected by such accidents may face mental health issues such as anxiety or PTSD.
- Preventative measures: To prevent the risk of forklift accidents, companies should constantly offer training to operators, ensuring that they know everything about forklift-driving practices. They should also be aware of the load limits, which will significantly decrease the risks of such accidents.
Trench Accidents
Trenches are essential in construction, and used for installing pipes, utilities, and cables. When executed properly, trenching can make these operations efficient. However, improper trenching practices or lack of safety measures can cause serious accidents, very often with devastating consequences.
- Contributing Factors: One of the primary factors contributing to trench accidents is poor planning. Very often, companies do not conduct trench inspections, or assess soil conditions. Another factor that may lead to such devastating consequences is the lack of safety training, as very often workers fail to recognize potential hazards, which ultimately can lead to accidents.
- Consequences: Consequences of trench accidents can be diverse, but fatalities are the most tragic outcomes. Such accidents can also cause injuries leading to permanent disabilities. Unfortunately, trench accidents can also cause property damage, leading to costly repairs and unexpected delays to construction projects.
- Preventative Measures: To lower the chances of such accidents, employers should organize training for their employees, where they will learn about proper excavation techniques, identify potential hazards, and respond to those hazards effectively should such accidents arise. Moreover, they need to conduct inspections at construction sites and have a risk management plan in case of potential hazards or accidents.
Chemical and Toxin Exposure
Chemical and toxin exposure poses a severe concern in the construction industry and beyond. In situations when the necessary precautions are not taken into account, chemical and toxin exposure can have long-term effects on the employees’ health.
- Contributing factors: Lack of safety measures is one of the leading factors contributing to chemical and toxin exposure. In many situations, employees are not provided with the necessary equipment when working with hazardous materials. Chemical and toxin exposure can also result from the lack of or inadequate safety training. In this case, employees may be unaware of the potential risks arising from chemical and toxin exposure, which may increase the risks of health-related issues.
- Consequences: While the consequences of chemical and toxin exposure may not always be obvious right at the beginning, it has short-term and long-term consequences on employees’ health. Short-term exposure to chemicals and toxins can lead to such issues as dizziness, skin irritation, and headaches. Long-term exposure to chemicals and toxins, however, can cause serious health issues such as neurological disorders, cancer, respiratory diseases, and reproductive health issues.
- Preventative measures: Implementing a comprehensive safety program is the most important step to consider when considering minimizing the risks of exposure to chemicals and toxins. Employees should be aware of the chemical hazards and how to handle them properly. Additionally, it is essential to have proper ventilation in working areas and ensure that hazardous chemicals are stored in compliance with safety guidelines.
Elevator-Shaft Accidents
Generally, elevator-shaft accidents occur when elevators get stuck at the top of the button, causing them to shaft. Falling from the shaft can have deadly consequences for construction employees.
- Contributing factors: Very often, employers do not offer enough safety measures and protective equipment, which may result in life-threatening consequences. Additionally, insufficient warning signs or barriers can contribute to elevator shaft accidents since, in such scenarios, employees may enter a hazardous environment near the shaft, leading to unexpected consequences.
- Consequences: Elevator-shaft accidents can have severe consequences on employees’ health. Such accidents can lead to falls, broken bones, and cuts, as well as chronic pain, psychological trauma, and permanent mobility issues. In some cases, elevator shaft accidents can lead to deaths, posing significant financial and legal issues for employers.
- Preventative measures: To prevent elevator shaft accidents, employees should undergo thorough training that will explore the risks associated with working around elevator shafts, how to use safety equipment, and how to navigate to emergencies. Additionally, they should always have all the necessary protective equipment, such as harnesses and guardrails, which will ensure their safety at the construction site.
Legal and Financial Consequences of Construction Site Accidents
Construction accidents can trigger both legal and financial consequences. Legally, in case of safety accidents and violations of safety regulations, construction companies may end up with fines. Moreover, in case of injuries or fatalities, they may face lawsuits, as well as lawsuits from injured employees.
Construction accidents can lead to financial consequences, too. In case employees are seriously injured and need medical care, employers are burdened with the cost of their medical treatment, legal expenses, and rising insurance rates. Furthermore, construction accidents have a negative consequence on the projects themselves since, in such circumstances, they may face worker downtime and project delays.
Final Thoughts
Construction site accidents remain a serious ongoing issue that requires continuous attention to prevent them from occurring. Prioritizing safety over other things is essential as it will allow companies to mitigate the risks of such accidents. By constantly evaluating and improving safety protocols, employers can work toward minimizing accidents and protecting their most valuable asset – their employees.
