Dawn Pinnisi
August 3, 2022
Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. In the construction industry, there is actually an expression about the fatal four, which refers to 4 of the most common (and deadly) accidents that happen at construction sites: falling, being struck by moving objects, electrocution, and getting caught in machinery. Definitely, these accidents tend to be very serious and often deadly. Above all, anyone injured in an accident should seek help from a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Falling Accidents
Have you ever seen a 2×4 plank hanging from some rope three stories off the ground at a construction site? Your reaction would probably be something like, “Yikes. I’m glad I don’t have to sit on that for my job.” Yes, people do sit on contraptions like that every day while working on construction sites. Unfortunately, accidents also occur as a result of working in these environments.
Falls makeup over one-third (⅓) of all construction-related accidents. And addition, the common culprits are roofing construction, chimney construction, working on scaffolding, working on ladders, and working on staircases. The farther a worker is from the ground when they fall, the more likely they are to sustain serious injury. Many construction workers wear harnesses and similar safety gear, but there isn’t safety gear to protect them from every potential construction-related fall.
Struck by Moving Objects
Again, the nature of constructing a building is inherently dangerous. Big, heavy materials are being moved around, weapon-like tools (nails, hammers) are everywhere, and there are always a number of moving parts working independently (so it is challenging for the right hand to always know what the left hand is doing). Construction workers can be hit by stacks of wood, objects being moved by cranes, and other workers positioning items they are working on (pipes, sheetrock). Even with precautions like wearing neon vests and tacking red flags to moving objects, these types of construction accidents remain common.
Electrocution
Being killed or injured by an electric shock is also sadly a common construction industry hazard. In this way, this accident is especially common for electricians and those who service and erect power lines/power sources. It is not hard to accidentally make contact with underground power lines or to get heavy machinery caught in overhead power lines.
Getting Caught in Machinery
Machines that do things like pulverize wood and drive nails into a wall with the push of a button are going to be dangerous to work with. The very nature of “heavy” machinery is to be powerful, strong, and tough. They are infallible opponents if accidentally encountered in the wrong way. Even with special training and licensing, machines slip, fail, get off balance, and malfunction. Bystanders can unknowingly wander into a construction area, posing serious hazards. In all of these cases, people can get entangled with deadly construction equipment, leading to disastrous consequences.
Other Common Construction Accidents
Aside from the Fatal Four, here are some other common construction accidents:
- Tripping
- Ground collapses
- Work vehicle collisions
- Slipping
- Repetitive motion injuries
Check 2024 statistics of the Most Common Types of Construction Accidents.
Get the Best Settlement with a New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been seriously injured, consult slip and fall attorneys New Jersey with Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. can help. Contact us today to find out your legal options and get a seasoned attorney to fight for you.
Dawn M. Pinnisi
Dawn M. Pinnisi is a distinguished attorney with a track record of excellence in advocating for victims of injury and negligence. Dawn is a Founding Partner of the Firm, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been awarded by the National Trial Lawyers.
University: J.D. Brooklyn Law School
Bar Number: 33771999
Locations: New Jersey and New York.
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