What Are the Most Common Construction Site Injuries in NC?

Charlotte workers can receive compensation benefits for their construction site injuries with help from a qualified Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney. Construction site injuries refer to the physical and other health concerns that construction workers face on the job. Since construction jobs are generally dangerous, workers in the industry are at high risk of work-related accidents.

The injuries from such accidents are usually extremely horrifying, and in severe cases, lead to the worker’s death. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), construction injuries were responsible for one in five workers’ deaths in 2019. Many factors can lead to a construction site injury. That’s especially because a construction job comprises many heavy-duty equipment and workers performing specific tasks simultaneously.

So, construction workers must be cautious and observe all safety protocols to avoid causing accidents for their colleagues. Also, employers must ensure that they provide a safe working environment for their employees. Their settlement sums will depend on the type and extent of construction injuries they suffered. We’ll discuss the most common construction site injuries Charlotte workers will likely suffer in this article.

What Are the Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents in Charlotte, NC?

Generally, there are four major causes of construction injuries in Charlotte. They are:

• Falls 

Falls are the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the construction industry. This is because workers could slip and fall from heights, especially when constructing tall buildings. Falls may also result from bad weather and other environmental conditions, poor adherence to safety standards, etc.

You can prevent falls by properly using protective equipment and adequate lighting to aid visibility in dark areas. Workers must also inspect their ladders and scaffoldings to ensure that they’re stable before use.

• “Struck-By” Accidents

Next to falls, struck-by accidents are the leading causes of severe work-related injuries and deaths in the construction sector. This type of accident happens when an object hits or strikes a worker on duty. For example, during road construction, a worker may get hit by a truck. Again, heavy things from a piece of equipment may fall on the construction workers on the job.

• Electrocution 

Construction employees that work around power lines are at high risks of electrocution. This type of accident can be due to faulty equipment and poor ground-fault protection. It can also occur when the worker stays too close to power lines or touches defective electrical wiring.

• Caught in Between Objects 

Remember that construction jobs consist of many moving parts. That includes lots of equipment that must be used simultaneously. As such, it’s quite likely that a worker sustains injuries by being caught between equipment and objects.

Trenching is another name for this type of accident. When workers get entrapped, they can die of suffocation due to a lack of oxygen. They can also sustain severe injuries merely by being squeezed between two objects.

What Work-Related Injuries Are Construction Workers Likely to Sustain? 

Falls, electrocution, trenching, and other construction accidents will likely cause the following injuries:

• Broken Bones and Fractures 

Falls, struck-by, and caught-between accidents can easily lead to crushed or broken bones or fractures.

• Cuts and Lacerations 

Cuts and lacerations happen when a sharp object pierces the skin. Many times, this can result in severe bleeding and infections. To prevent cuts and scratches, construction workers must wear personal protective clothing and clear the site of all safety hazards.

• Burns 

Burns are likely consequences of electrocutions, hazardous chemicals, fires, and explosions. These burns could be severe and cause scarring, permanent disfigurement, and organ failure. In addition, burned construction employees may experience pain, leathery skin, numbness, blisters, and splotchy skin.

• Head  Injuries 

Head injuries like concussions and traumatic brain injuries are common consequences of falls and struck-by accidents.

• Spinal Cord Injuries 

Construction workers can damage their spinal cords when they fall from heights. This can easily lead to paralysis.

• Heat Stroke 

Generally, construction employees work in extreme climatic conditions. Whether it’s severe cold or heat, such adverse conditions can cause devastating health issues. For example, they can develop heat stroke due to prolonged sun exposure.

• Vision Impairment and Blindness 

Workers who neglect to wear eye protection gears are at great risk of vision impairment, especially due to dust hazards.

How Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Charlotte, NC Can Help

You can file a workers’ compensation claim against your employer for your construction injuries. But, if you like, you can also file a lawsuit against a negligent third party if they caused your injuries. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Charlotte, NC, can help determine what option is best for you. So, schedule a free consultation with our workers’ compensation lawyers today.