Protecting Yourself from Construction Injuries in North Carolina
At 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers, we help injured workers and accident victims across North Carolina. Based in Charlotte, our firm handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. We offer honest advice, direct support, and only get paid if we win your case. When your benefits are at risk, we step in and fight for what you’re owed.
Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in North Carolina. Every year, workers face serious risks from falls, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials. According to labor statistics, the construction industry leads in both fatal and nonfatal work injuries. While safety rules exist, accidents still happen. Knowing how to prevent injuries and what to do if one occurs can protect your health, your income, and your future.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to prevent construction injuries, what steps to take after an accident, and how working with an experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer can help you protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
Why Construction Injuries Are So Prevalent
Construction workers face a higher risk of workplace injuries compared to other industries.
High-Risk Work Environment
Construction sites are full of hazards. Workers handle heavy machinery, climb to high places, and work near moving equipment. These conditions increase the chances of accidents. Tasks like operating power tools, lifting building materials, or working near traffic can quickly lead to serious injuries. The nature of construction work makes it one of the most dangerous in private industry.
Leading Causes of Construction Injuries
The top causes of injuries in construction are falls, slips, and trips; being struck by objects; electrocutions; and getting caught between equipment or structures. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), these incidents lead to most construction fatalities. Falls to a lower level and same-level slips remain the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal work injuries in the construction industry.
Frequent Contact With Unsafe Equipment
Many injuries occur when construction workers use unsafe or poorly maintained equipment. Faulty scaffolding, worn-out ladders, and malfunctioning power tools often cause falls and crush injuries. Struck by incidents happen when materials or tools fall from heights or when heavy equipment moves unpredictably. Proper inspection of construction equipment is critical to prevent incidents.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Construction workers often handle chemicals, dust, and other harmful substances. Without proper personal protective equipment, exposure can lead to skin damage, respiratory issues, or long-term illness. Some workers develop occupational injuries slowly due to daily contact with these substances, especially on residential building construction sites.
Lack of Safety Oversight
On many job sites, safety protocols are weak or ignored. Employers might skip training or fail to enforce OSHA standards. Safety professionals may be absent or overwhelmed. This lack of oversight leads to more accidents and nonfatal injuries involving days away from work. Employers are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe construction workplace.
Fast-Paced Work Under Pressure
Construction projects often run on tight deadlines. This pressure causes workers to rush or skip safety steps. Fatigue, stress, and overcrowded job sites increase the risk of mistakes. Workers become less alert, and even small errors can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Common Injuries Sustained on Construction Sites
Construction sites are filled with risks that often lead to serious or nonfatal injuries affecting workers across all types of job sites.
Falls From Heights and Slips on the Same Level
Falls remain the leading cause of construction fatalities and serious injuries. Workers may fall from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops during residential building construction or commercial projects. Same-level slips and trips also result in nonfatal injuries involving days away from work. These incidents are often caused by uneven surfaces, misplaced materials, or wet floors.
Struck by Falling Objects
Struck by incidents are common in the construction industry. Tools, building materials, or equipment parts may fall from elevated positions, hitting workers below. These injuries can lead to concussions, broken bones, or internal damage. Wearing proper personal protective equipment such as hard hats is one of the few ways to reduce the impact of these accidents.
Crush and Caught-Between Injuries
Crush injuries occur when a worker is pinned between heavy machinery or caught between moving equipment and a stationary object. These types of accidents often involve construction equipment like forklifts, loaders, or cranes. Crush injuries usually result in fractures, amputations, or permanent damage.
Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures
Sharp tools, exposed nails, and jagged metal surfaces can easily cause cuts or puncture wounds. Improper handling of power tools is a major factor in these types of injuries. These wounds can lead to infections or long recovery periods if not treated immediately.
Electrical and Burn Injuries
Contact with live wires, faulty circuits, or damaged extension cords can result in serious electrical burns. Workers involved in demolition or underground digging are at high risk for electrical injuries. These incidents are preventable when employers enforce OSHA standards and provide proper training.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Construction workers often handle chemicals such as adhesives, solvents, and paints. Repeated exposure without proper protective gear can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, or toxic reactions. Harmful substances are especially dangerous in confined spaces or areas with poor ventilation.
Muscle Strains and Overexertion
Lifting heavy materials, bending frequently, or working in awkward positions leads to back injuries, sprains, and muscle strains. These are some of the most common nonfatal work injuries in the construction industry. Overexertion often results in time off, physical therapy, or limited work capacity.
How to Prevent Construction Accidents
Preventing accidents on construction sites requires consistent safety practices, proper training, and awareness of the risks workers face every day.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Wearing personal protective equipment is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury. Hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vests protect workers from falls, falling objects, sharp materials, and harmful substances. PPE must fit correctly and be worn at all times on the job site.
Regular Safety Training
Employers must provide training that covers proper equipment use, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures. Training should be updated regularly to include changes in OSHA standards and best practices. New construction workers should not begin work until they complete safety training specific to the job.
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
Construction equipment must be checked before each use. Tools, ladders, scaffolding, and machinery should be inspected for damage, wear, or malfunction. Employers must schedule routine maintenance to avoid breakdowns that can lead to accidents. Workers should report damaged tools or unsafe equipment immediately.
Enforcing Job Site Safety Rules
Employers must clearly post and enforce safety rules. These rules should cover working at heights, handling materials, and operating machinery. Safety professionals should monitor activity and correct unsafe behavior. Job sites that follow strict safety protocols experience fewer construction injuries and lower injury-related costs.
Clear Communication on Site
Workers need to communicate clearly with each other to avoid accidents. Hand signals, radios, or spotters can help direct equipment operators and reduce the chance of struck by incidents. Regular safety meetings and shift briefings also keep workers informed about hazards and changes in work conditions.
Fall Prevention Measures
Guardrails, safety harnesses, and secured ladders must be in place wherever there is a fall risk. Falls to a lower level remain a leading cause of serious injuries in construction. Employers should also keep walking surfaces clear to prevent slips and trips on the same level.
Controlling Hazardous Substances
Proper storage, labeling, and handling of chemicals reduce exposure risks. Ventilation systems and protective clothing help prevent respiratory and skin-related injuries. Workers should always review safety data sheets and wear the required PPE when handling harmful substances.
What to Do Immediately After a Construction Injury
Quick action after a construction injury can protect your health, preserve evidence, and support your workers’ compensation claim.
Report the Injury to a Supervisor
Tell your supervisor or site manager about the injury right away. This step is required under North Carolina law. According to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-22, injured workers must notify their employer within 30 days. Failing to report the injury on time may lead to a denied claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical help as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Some injuries, like internal trauma or head injuries, may not show symptoms right away. A licensed healthcare provider should document your injuries and start treatment. This medical record will be important for your workers’ compensation case.
Document the Scene
If you are able, take photos or videos of the job site, equipment involved, and your injuries. If you cannot do this yourself, ask a coworker to help. Documenting the location and conditions can help show what caused the injury. Include details such as spilled materials, broken tools, or lack of safety gear.
Collect Witness Statements
If other workers saw the incident, get their names and statements. Witness accounts can confirm your version of events and support your claim. Written or recorded statements taken soon after the accident are more accurate and reliable.
Preserve Evidence
Do not throw away any clothing, gear, or tools involved in the incident. Keep everything in the same condition as it was during the injury. Preserving evidence can help prove the cause of the injury and whether faulty equipment or unsafe conditions played a role.
Follow All Medical Instructions
After your first visit, follow all medical advice. Attend follow-up appointments, complete physical therapy if required, and take prescribed medications. Ignoring treatment can delay recovery and affect your workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If your injury is serious or your claim is denied, speak with a workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather the right evidence, and guide your case through the system. Workers in the construction industry often face delays or disputes that require legal help to resolve.
Consult With 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers About Your Construction Injuries ASAP!
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, taking the right steps early can make a big difference in your recovery and your claim. Our team at 1Charlotte Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through the workers’ compensation process, answer your questions, and stand up for your rights. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case.
Contact us at (704) 706-2689 for a free case consultation today!
