Construction jobs are among the most deadly in the U.S., and accidents can happen in many ways. Heavy equipment, uneven surfaces, work being done several stories in the air, and tools that can cut, shoot nails or even dispense fire make many jobs sites inherently hazardous.
In 2020, there were 484 construction-related accidents in NYC. Staying safe in the workplace means being aware of some of the more common causes of construction accidents.
Falling
The leading cause of construction site accidents in the Bronx is falling, comprising more than half of all fatal injuries. Scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops can be dangerous places to complete work, and proper safety gear is critical.
The degree of injury you may suffer largely depends on how far you fall and how you land. Many people sustain multiple injuries from falls, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage or paralysis
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Neck, back, and spine injuries
Complications from a fall can cause catastrophic injuries, and many people require weeks or even months of aftercare and physical therapy to heal and regain their ability to move without assistance.
Electrocution
Working on or near power lines can be dangerous. Only licensed electricians should attempt any kind of electrical work, from installation to repair. Proper safety protocols can keep workers from being injured.
However, accidents can occur if people on the job site aren’t aware of energized power sources. Electrocutions can occur when a person, piece of equipment, or tool comes in contact with a “hot” line, whether overhead, in the walls or underground.
Being Struck By an Object
Just as people can fall from heights at a construction site, so can objects. Hardhats can help protect the head and brain from injury by falling objects, from tools to pieces of building material.
Proper training and safety equipment, like debris nets and instructions on machinery and equipment use, can help reduce the instances of people being struck by either a falling object or something that isn’t being moved properly, such as a ladder or other equipment.
Caught In-Between
Being caught between a piece of heavy equipment and an immovable object, like a wall, can be frightening. Having a hand, finger, or other body part stuck in machinery can be devastating. If you or a co-worker is caught in-between, immediately stop the equipment and call 911. Common injuries include:
- Body part being caught in machinery
- Someone being crushed, squeezed or compressed
- Pinching injuries
These accidents can happen if there’s a cave-in or building collapse or if someone trips and lands in the path of a heavy object. Unguarded machinery or machinery without adequate safety guards can also cause this type of injury.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Construction site surfaces may be muddy, wet, or uneven. It’s quite common for people to slip and fall, resulting in back and neck injuries, concussions, or broken bones. Wearing the proper footwear, such as sturdy boots with good traction, can help workers keep their footing.
Placing the correct signage around a construction site also helps reduce accidents. If there’s a gap in the flooring, for example, placing caution tape around the site can keep people from falling in.
What to Do If You’ve Been Involved in a Construction Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident, and workers’ compensation isn’t covering your bills, you may be able to file a lawsuit for damages. Contact a reputable personal injury attorney to represent your claim.
Contact Our Construction Accident Law Firm in Bronx, NY
If you need legal assistance, contact the Bronx construction accident lawyers at Oresky & Associates, PLLC at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.
We have two convenient locations in New York:
Oresky & Associates, PLLC – Bronx Office
149 E 149th St
Bronx, NY 10451
(718) 993-9999
Oresky & Associates, PLLC – Queens Office
104-09 Roosevelt Ave
Queens, NY 11368
(347) 507-3884
