Construction work is a dangerous industry. Construction workers encounter many hazards on a daily basis, including heavy machinery, sharp tools, and toxic substances. These inherent dangers make them susceptible to worksite injuries no matter how careful they might be – injuries that are often debilitating.
Causes of Construction Injuries
Construction sites are dangerous places. Workers at these sites are at risk of serious injuries even when they take every available safety precaution. Some of the most common causes of injuries in construction include:
- Falls from heights – A worker might fall from a ladder, scaffolding, or machinery if they don’t have adequate fall protection gear.
- Explosions and fires – Flammable substances or faulty electrical components might spark a fire. An explosion can occur if someone mishandles or improperly stores combustible materials.
- Vehicle collisions – Construction vehicles such as cranes and bulldozers are efficient. However, an inexperienced operator might crash into a building or another vehicle. A defective machine part can also prevent the operator from braking to avoid running over a nearby worker.
- Slips, trips, and falls – A worker can get hurt by slipping or tripping on a hazard on the construction site, such as a wet floor or tools and debris scattered in a walkway.
- Struck by equipment or objects – Unsecured tools and material might fall from a raised platform or scaffolding, hitting a worker walking below. Malfunctioning machinery can pin a worker against a wall.
- Toxic exposure – Construction workers often encounter toxic materials. Inhaling fumes or particles in the air can lead to respiratory issues, mesothelioma, and various other health problems.
- Scaffolding accidents – Scaffolding is essential on construction sites, especially if the task requires working on hard-to-reach areas. If the scaffolding isn’t level or constructed correctly, it can collapse while the worker is on it. Workers can also fall from scaffolding if they aren’t appropriately secured.
Types of Injuries in the Construction Industry
The nature of the accident affects the injuries a construction worker might suffer as a result. Injuries can range in severity and have long-lasting consequences.
The most common injuries from accidents on construction sites include:
- Burn injuries
- Electrical shock
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Loss of limb
- Paralysis
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Mesothelioma, cancer, and other occupational diseases
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
How an Oklahoma Construction Injury Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Compensation
An accident at a construction site can leave you injured and struggling to recover. You need compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we have represented injured clients since 1984. We know how to protect workers’ rights after job-related accidents and can help you pursue the money you deserve. Call or contact us online for a free consultation with an Oklahoma construction worker injury lawyer.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
