The construction site is one of the most dynamic and hazardous workplaces in America. Despite stringent regulations and safety protocols put in place in construction sites, accidents are still reported, with most being associated with preventable causes. If you are a construction worker across Western New York who powers growth in the country, it is advisable to be familiar with the prevalent hazards. And when those hazards cause harm, you have legal recourse.
However, the path to securing workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims is not always straightforward. The Jamestown construction accident attorneys at Lewis & Lewis can manage the claims journey. For a free consultation with a skilled lawyer regarding your construction site injury, contact us today.
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Common Causes of Construction Accidents: Quick Overview
- Construction sites are high-risk; most accidents are preventable.
- The Fatal Four, namely falls, struck-by, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents, cause most deaths.
- Some of the key contributing factors include improper equipment setup, limited visibility, complex assembly/dismantling, and unguarded machinery, among others.
- Injured workers can pursue workers’ compensation and third-party claims.
- Seek legal support immediately to ensure responsible parties are held accountable, and compensation aligns with your losses.
The “Fatal Four” in Construction Sites
According to OSHA, the majority of fatal construction accidents are attributed to four primary causes, known as the “Fatal Four.” These hazards persist on job sites despite being well-documented and largely preventable with proper safety measures, training, and employer diligence. These include the following:
- Falls: This is the leading cause of death in construction. Falls can occur from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, through floor openings, and from any elevated work surface. Incidents often result from a lack of proper fall protection, like guardrails, safety nets, or harnesses, unstable working surfaces, or failure to use equipment correctly.
- Struck-By Incidents: Construction workers are at risk of being hit by falling tools or materials, swinging construction equipment like backhoes, or vehicles moving around the site. These accidents frequently stem from improper material stacking, lack of toe-boards on scaffolding, or failure to establish clear safety zones.
- Electrocutions: Contact with live wiring, overhead power lines, or faulty tools and equipment can lead to severe injury or death. Common causes include failure to de-energize circuits before work, using damaged electrical cords, and inadequate grounding.
- Caught-In/Between Accidents: These gruesome incidents happen when a worker is crushed, pinned, or compressed between objects. Examples include trench collapses, being pulled into unguarded machinery, or getting pinned between a vehicle and a solid object.
Other common construction accidents include:
- Trench and excavation collapses
- Machinery and heavy equipment accidents
- Scaffolding failures
- Toxic exposure and respiratory injuries
- Tool and equipment malfunctions
- Fires and explosions
- Vehicle and work-zone accidents
- Ladder accidents
- Overexertion and heat-related injuries
- Falling objects
These accidents are mostly preventable, yet they continue to happen because negligence remains alarmingly common on construction sites. When employers cut corners, the risk of a serious or fatal injury rises dramatically.
Contributing Factors To Construction Accidents
A range of other systemic hazards and unsafe practices regularly lead to serious, debilitating injuries on construction sites. These causes often point to failures in planning, communication, ongoing site management, and violation of OSHA regulations.
- Improper Equipment Setup and Repositioning: Machinery like cranes, scissor lifts, and forklifts pose extreme danger when not set up on stable, level ground or when moved without proper protocols. Frequent, hurried repositioning without new stability checks or hazard assessments is a major risk factor for tip-overs and structural collapses.
- Limited Visibility and Multiple Operators: Large equipment often has significant blind spots. When multiple pieces of equipment or workers are operating in the same congested area without clear spotters, coordinated signals, or designated pathways, the risk of collision and struck-by incidents skyrockets.
- Complex Assembly and Frequent Dismantling: Tasks involving temporary structures like scaffolding, shoring, and formwork are highly technical. Errors during assembly—or rushed, improper dismantling—can create catastrophic hidden failures that manifest later, causing collapses that injure multiple workers.
- Trenching Operations and Unguarded Machinery: Trench collapses are a leading cause of caught-in/between fatalities, often occurring due to a lack of proper sloping, shoring, or shielding. Similarly, the moving parts of saws, grinders, and other machinery must have guards in place to prevent amputations and severe lacerations.
- Temporary Wiring and Wet Conditions: Construction sites rely on temporary electrical systems, which are vulnerable to damage. When these are exposed to rain, snow, or standing water, the risk of electrocution and shock increases dramatically. Using damaged cords or tools in damp environments is a common but deadly mistake.
Your construction accident lawyer can evaluate the cause of your accident and pinpoint negligence. They will build a case that can help secure compensation for the harm resulting from the accident.
Help Secure Your Future with a Construction Accident Lawyer
The causes of construction accidents are often rooted in preventable safety failures, and the legal path that follows requires professional management. You, therefore, need to work with a legal team and a personal injury attorney who understands both the complexities of construction law and the profound impact an injury has on you and your family. If you or a family member has suffered an injury on a construction site, contact Lewis & Lewis to understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions: Causes of Construction Accidents
What should I do after a construction accident?
Firstly, continue receiving medical attention to address your injuries. Document the site, report the accident to your supervisor, and keep records of all medical visits and expenses. Immediately contact construction accident attorneys at Lewis & Lewis to safeguard your rights and preserve key evidence.
Who can bear responsibility for a construction accident?
In most cases, liability goes to your employer. However, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and other parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Your construction accident lawyer can investigate and identify all responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in New York?
In New York, you have up to three years to file a legal action for personal injuries, including construction accidents. Filing promptly is essential to preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and protect your right to seek full compensation. Your attorney will ensure that your claim remains valid and that you don’t lose your right to seek compensation.
