No matter when you read this post, it is safe to assume that dozens of construction projects are happening in Columbia. Those projects can involve road crews repairing highways and bridges and construction teams building homes or renovating commercial properties. Every day, a construction job starts with a plan, but there are many moving parts to those plans as various workers navigate each other to complete their tasks. That kind of intense work environment sets up the potential for the following types of accidents.
Falls
Most construction workers wear durable work boots with treads designed to prevent falls. Unfortunately, those boots can’t prevent all falls. According to information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry in 2022. Of that number, 38% of those fatalities were caused by slips, trips, and falls. Those falls can include taking a tumble from a ladder, scaffolding, railing, or roof.
Electrocution
A construction project goes through phases. It starts with building the foundation. Then, the framing of the structure. After that, the plumbing and electric systems are laid in, and then the finishing. During the electrical phase, there will be a lot of exposed wires and cables that could lead to electrocution or shock accidents. Those same types of accidents can happen on renovation projects if the power isn’t shut off. There could also be defective wiring or improper maintenance that can trigger an electrical accident.
Machinery Mishaps
Depending on the job, a construction site can utilize cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and excavators. Those all have to be controlled by certified operators, but even the most skilled operator can sometimes make a wrong maneuver or carry a load that is too big or improperly secured. There are also any number of power tools and other types of machinery that are part of construction operations. If they aren’t properly maintained or used correctly, they can cause severe injury.