In New York, construction workers face a demanding job involving various tasks and dangerous equipment, resulting in a high injury rate. Construction workplace injuries can significantly affect an employee’s emotional, physical and financial well-being.
Understanding the types of injuries on construction sites can help employers and employees maintain a safer workplace. The following injuries represent the most common types of construction workplace injuries.
Falls
Falling from height is the most common type of injury on construction sites. Workers falling from ladders, scaffolding, roofs and other areas can sustain serious injuries, including broken bones or head trauma. Falls also contribute to the construction industry’s higher-than-average fatality rate.
Struck-by accidents
Workers can become exposed to falling equipment, tools or building materials. Being struck by these objects can cause accidents that result in workplace injuries such as head trauma, broken bones or injuries to internal organs.
Machinery accidents
Construction workers often use machinery such as bulldozers, cranes and excavators. These large machines can result in construction accidents that cause injuries such as broken bones, crush injuries or amputations.
Respiratory hazards and chemical exposure
Construction workers can come into contact with or breathe in toxic substances such as asbestos, toxic gases, lead or solvents. These substances can cause symptoms ranging from skin irritation and respiratory issues to lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Transportation accidents
Not all injuries and fatalities take place at the worksite. Construction workers are often required to travel to more than one work location. They might need to drive a large truck loaded with equipment or supplies, which makes the vehicle harder to maneuver and increases the risk of an accident.
Enhancing awareness of the types of construction site injuries can contribute to improved employer precautions and increased employee safety on the job.