If it seems like more construction sites are popping up than before, you are right. According to KPCC, there has recently been a construction boom in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, representing the highest spending in decades. While it may provide an economic boost, this influx of construction brings an increased risk, too. Construction sites are notoriously dangerous workplaces, and these are the most common injuries encountered:
Falling from an elevated platform
Construction typically utilizes scaffolding and platforms to facilitate work on multiple-story buildings. A responsible site manager will provide workers with protective gear, but working on elevated platforms puts workers at risk of falls even with these safety measures. This can easily be a fatal injury and is the most common accident reported at construction sites.
Electrocution accidents
Second to falls, electrocutions are the most common reported accidents at construction sites. Because contractors often deal with wiring and electrical equipment, there is an increased potential for injuries of this nature. Like falls, they are often fatal injuries, too. Electrical components should never be exposed on a construction site; only a trained electrician should handle them.
Being struck by an object
The third most common injury cited at construction sites is instances of being struck by an object. When workers complete construction on scaffolding, tools, and objects can easily fall from above and strike below workers. Even the smallest items, such as a measuring tape or wrench, can be fatal if they fall from a considerable height and strike a person's head. Workers who are on an elevated surface should always secure their tools. A significant number of construction accidents are the result of negligence on the part of third-party suppliers or safety violations. In cases such as these, accident victims may be able to claim compensation from those parties and workers' compensation benefits. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an injury at a construction site, you should know your legal options. Contact an attorney for more information on pursuing compensation.