--- title: Top Causes of Construction Accidents canonical: "https://www.calljacob.com/blog/top-causes-of-construction-accidents/" description: "The top causes of construction worker injuries and fatalities remain falls, electrocutions, struck-by, and caught-in or caught-between incidents." --- Workplace accidents are more common in construction than in most other industries. The top causes of construction worker injuries and fatalities remain falls, electrocutions, struck-by, and caught-in or caught-between incidents. Much of the time, these [construction accidents](/personal-injury/construction-site-accident/) are preventable, meaning a personal injury attorney can help determine who is liable to compensate you for damages. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes these top four causes of construction accidents: ### **Slips, Trips, and Falls** Between 2015 and 2019, 37.9% of construction fatalities were caused by slips, trips, and falls.¹ A fall can involve losing footing on a slippery or uneven surface, incorrect use of a ladder, improperly mounting or dismounting from equipment, or falling from a height. Falls due to debris, open holes, or environmental conditions like rain or snow can also result in traumatic brain injuries and other life-changing events. As dangerous as they are, falls can be prevented with: * Proper use of personal fall arrest equipment * Perimeter protection in hazardous areas * Secured scaffolds with posted weight limits * Worker education on proper ladder use * Properly installed/labeled floor opening covers * Guardrails near stairs * Secured roofing materials ### **Struck-By Injuries** The force of a moving object hitting a person can cause catastrophic injuries. A struck-by injury often involves a falling object. However, an object that is rolling, swinging, or otherwise in motion can cause a severe construction accident. The type of object, its size, and the speed it is traveling can determine the severity, which can range from a minor bruise to life-threatening or fatal injuries. Struck-by injuries may be caused by a moving vehicle, flying debris, a discharged nail from a nail gun, broken high-pressure hoses, falling suspended loads, dropped tools, or flying nuts and bolts. Such injuries are often the result of: * Improper securing of materials or structures * Lack of training in safety procedures * Neglect to take reasonable precautions ### **Caught-in or Caught-Between** Heavy objects and machinery pose serious risks to construction workers. Whether clothing or a body part is caught in a machine’s moving parts or someone is caught between large, heavy objects, devastating injuries can result. Death is not uncommon in incidents that involve crushing or strangulation. A caught-in injury can occur when loose clothing or a body part is pulled into a saw, drill, or other type of power tool. Workers’ clothing can also get caught between motor parts of a vehicle, or a person can be caught between unsecured sheets of metal. Other examples include being crushed between a vehicle and a wall, under a lowering hydraulic truck frame, or beneath a collapsing wall. Preventing such a construction accident requires: * Adequate protective systems for workers * Proper construction/bracing for walls and scaffolds * Proper support for trenches and excavation sites * Correct use of heavy machinery * Sufficient training on safely using equipment/machinery ### **Electrocutions** An electrical shock, burn, or other injury can vary in severity, but an electrocution results from exposure to lethal amounts of electrical current. It can occur due to contact between a metal ladder or machinery component and an overhead power line or if a coworker accidentally turns on the power while electrical work is being performed. Touching damaged wiring or crossing wires during a service box installation can also result in an electrocution. Electrocutions are deadly but preventable. To avoid them: * Locate and identify utilities and overhead power lines before beginning work or operating equipment. * Stay a safe distance from transmission lines and other high-voltage sources. * Use only grounded or double-insulated portable electric tools. * Install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). * Avoid using electrical equipment in wet conditions. * Ensure electrical equipment is properly grounded. ## **Common Construction Accident Injuries** In addition to traumatic brain injuries and electrocutions, other common types of injuries due to construction accidents include: * Spinal cord injuries * Burns * Vision impairment/blindness * Broken bones * Neck, shoulder, and back injuries * Knee and ankle injuries * Toxic chemical exposure * Repetitive motion injuries ## **Call The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani** Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have represented clients and their family members in many types of [construction accident](/personal-injury/construction-site-accident/) cases. The resulting injuries are often deadly or life-altering. Oftentimes, they occur due to negligence. Therefore, we work to obtain high settlements and fair compensation in an injury or wrongful death lawsuit. To schedule a free consultation and case estimate, call [(888) 952-2952](tel:+18889522952) today. **Source**: 1. [https://ohsonline.com/articles/2022/12/23/the-most-common-injuries-in-construction.aspx](https://ohsonline.com/articles/2022/12/23/the-most-common-injuries-in-construction.aspx)