The construction industry is inherently dangerous, which can result in severe injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, and even permanent disability, impacting not only the workers but also their families and communities. Aside from these physical hazards, construction sites often involve health risks such as hazardous substance exposure and severe weather conditions.
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1. Falls
A significant proportion of tasks carried out within the construction sector are executed from elevated platforms, scaffolds, and scaffolding. Because of this, accidents on construction sites rank among the leading causes of fatalities and injuries. These accidents could have been avoided if appropriate precautions were followed and proper protective gear was utilized. As mentioned, under the Scaffold Law of New York, a responsible third party may be held strictly accountable for the damage to a worker if the worker was injured due to the third party's failure to provide the appropriate height-related precautions.
2. Struck-By Object
When a worker is struck by a car, machine, or falling object, they may be killed. Occasionally, workmen are crushed by materials that collapse or fall unexpectedly. Numerous heavy machinery, sizable objects, and scattered waste can present this degree of danger to workers on any construction site. Nevertheless, employers are required to take action to ensure that correct communication and safety practices are followed.
3. Electrocution
Electrocution is a risk that workers face if they do not wear the appropriate protective gear and come into direct contact with electrical cables and wiring. The absence of circuit interrupters can potentially result in severe injuries or even fatalities when working closely with equipment directly on live power lines. Accordingly, job site supervisors are responsible for ensuring that construction workers do not approach electrically powered machines unless they have put on the required protective gear. Also, consideration must be given to the fact that poor wiring can directly result in the death of a worker.
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4. Caught-Between Incidents
Injuries sustained due to being caught between two objects might range from harmless to fatal. The shattered finger from being hit with a hammer is one of the causes of these problems; yet it is just a small instance of being stuck between two things. As stated, heavy on-site equipment must be equipped with reversing alarms and cutting-edge telematics software to alert workers who may otherwise obstruct the path.
5. Head Injuries
A head injury is another type of accident that frequently occurs on construction sites. Construction workers can sustain brain injuries as a result of a variety of negligent situations, including falling debris or materials, employees slipping and falling, and other similar conditions. There should be strict regulations regarding the wearing of hard hats whenever they are required.
6. Explosions and Fires
The presence of gas lines and open electrical outlets makes it not unusual for unintentional fires or explosions to occur on the premises, resulting in injuries to personnel who are located close to the site.
7. Cuts and Lacerations
Construction sites are home to sharp objects, including saws, knives, and heavy gear. However, cuts and lacerations are usually the consequence of poor tool usage.
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