Frequently, construction professionals don’t perform their jobs at ground level. Instead, they are either below grade in a trench or at a significant elevation, possibly on scaffolding. Whenever there is a difference in height at a job site, workers are at risk of gravity-related incidents.
Most people readily acknowledge that falls are a serious hazard for professionals in the construction sector. Fewer people are aware of how often struck-by incidents are the reason that construction workers die on the job or end up in the hospital.
Falling items are dangerous
When there are workers stationed above an employee, the people above could fall or drop something. Even small objects dropped from a significant height can cause devastating injuries to the people below. On the other hand, large objects and heavy equipment dropped even a small distance could potentially cause catastrophic injuries.
Struck-by incidents involving falling materials, equipment or tools are among the most common sources of construction site fatalities in the United States. In 2019, there were 90 construction-sector fatalities related to objects other than vehicles striking workers.
Many of those struck-by incidents involved objects dropped from above. There were also roughly 16,600 struck-by incidents where workers sustained injuries.
Even with hard hats and other protective gear, workers are vulnerable to severe injuries. In addition to brain injuries, they could be at risk of broken bones and spinal cord injuries when something falls and strikes them.
Construction site incidents can lead to major medical bills and career-ending symptoms. Professionals hurt on the job may need help seeking compensation for their losses, and that’s okay. Learning more about common job hazards can help workers avoid injury or respond appropriately after an injury while working in construction.