Reportedly, more than 46% of fatal trips, slips and falls occurred in the construction field in 2021. Construction accidents are especially common in New York due to the prevalence of complex projects and tall skyscrapers. Here is a look at the top types of construction accidents plaguing construction workers in New York.
Construction site accidents and injuries
A prevalent risk at a construction site is a fall from a high structure. Victims of falls from heights often suffer head trauma, fractures and spinal injuries, which is why fall protection is critical. A fall protection system may range from a guardrail to a ladder cage.
Struck-by construction site accidents are also a common cause of work-related injuries, such as internal injuries and fractures. These accidents can occur when moving machinery or a falling object strikes a worker. Electrical accidents, like burns and shocks, are additionally prevalent on construction sites in New York. These accidents can stem from inadequate training, faulty wiring or inappropriate equipment handling. Other types of accidents include workers getting caught between heavy structures or equipment, which might lead to crush injuries or amputations. Building collapses and falls from scaffolding can furthermore lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
How an attorney can help
Job-related injuries in the construction field can take a physical, emotional and financial toll on a worker. This is why an injured construction worker in New York should ideally contact a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. The attorney can guide the worker through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim, which may lead to benefits awarded to cover the worker’s accident-related medical costs and lost wages.