Construction workers are among those most at risk for being injured while at work. According to OSHA, about 20% of all worker facilities are in the construction industry. Capetillo Law Firm handles all types of construction accidents. If you or a loved one were injured on a construction site in Fort Bend, you may be entitled to substantial compensation and should reach out to an attorney right away.
Below are nine of the most common construction accidents in Texas.
- Falls From Heights
Construction works are often required to work on scaffolding, roofs, platforms, ladders, and other high places. Falls from heights are among the most common injuries on construction sites and result in some of the most severe injuries, such as death, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. OSHA regulations require that contractors take specific precautions to prevent fall injuries.
- Slip and Falls
Slip and falls can happen anywhere, but they are especially common in the construction industry because of dangerous job site conditions, such as uncovered holes and uneven surfaces. Generally, slip and fall accidents result in injuries such as broken bones, soft-tissue strains, and contusions. However, sometimes slip and falls can lead to more serious harm, such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
A repetitive stress injury refers to gradual damage caused by a person repeatedly making the same motion, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Common repetitive stress injuries in the construction industry include carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic neck and back pain, tendonitis, and nerve root impingement. These injuries can be extremely painful and affect daily living.
- Heavy Machinery Accidents
Heavy machinery, like bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, payloaders, and cement trucks, is integral to construction work. Working with and around these machines comes with inherent risk. A wide range of heavy machinery accidents can occur including equipment rollover or getting caught in-between the machinery and a wall. Malfunctioning equipment and human error are the two leading causes of heavy machinery accidents in Texas.
- Hoist Accidents
Hoists are often used on construction sites when workers need to perform their job from heights. They transport construction material, heavy equipment, and workers from the ground level to higher floors. An improperly constructed or operated hoist can cause serious and even fatal injuries. Defective equipment, overloading, and failing to secure construction materials and equipment properly can all lead to hoist accidents.
- Explosions and Fires
Texas construction workers are frequently required to work with explosive and flammable materials, such as compressed gas cylinders, blasting agents, electrical equipment, chemical tanks and drums, petroleum gas, and exposed wiring. If an explosion or fire does occur, it can result in severe injuries, including burns, hearing and vision damage, broken bones, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Most fires and explosions on construction sites are caused by negligence or carelessness.
- Electrocutions
Electrocutions are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in Texas. On construction sites, electrocutions can occur in various ways, including:
- Lifts, ladders, and cranes striking overhead power lines;
- Damaged or defective electrical equipment;
- Wires that are not properly grounded; and
- Improper use of extension cords.
Electrocutions can cause burns to the skin and internal organs, damage to the heart and brain, and even broken bones.
- Trench Accidents
Construction often involves excavation work and trench digging. If a trench collapses, death, traumatic brain injuries, lost limbs, and broken bones can result. Common causes of trench collapses include:
- Improper sloping,
- Poor soil testing for stability,
- Failure to check gas and power lines, and
- Inadequate oversight of the excavation process.
In Texas, contractors must take steps to keep the workplace safe and prevent trench accidents.
- Exposure to Harmful Toxins or Chemicals
Exposure to toxins and harmful chemicals is a constant risk for many Texas construction workers. Some examples of toxins and chemicals used at job sites include chemical solvents and acids, industrial cleaners, lead, asbestos, polyvinyl chloride, and halogenated flame retardants. Being exposed to harmful toxins or chemicals is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to your body and organs.
Your Fort Bend Construction Accident Attorney
If you have suffered because of a construction accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer like Adam Capetillo, who has litigated dozens of similar cases. Your trusted legal team from Capetillo Law Firm will determine whether you have enough of a case to file a lawsuit or whether you should pay for your lost wages and medical expenses through the Texas workers’ compensation system.