Understanding Common Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents

Construction workers are more at risk for serious injury or death than laborers in other occupations. Statistics compiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) show that 21.1 percent of fatal workplace accidents in the private sector occurred in the construction industry. During 2016, 991 construction workers lost their lives.

Fatal construction accidents have common causes. OSHA recognizes four common fatal causes of construction accidents. These causes include:

1. Falls. Falls accounted for 38.7 percent (384 deaths) of the fatal workplace accidents in the construction industry during 2016.
2. Struck by objects. Falling objects can strike and kill construction workers. OSHA statistics show that “struck by object” incidents accounted for 9.4 percent of construction deaths during 2016.
3. Caught in-between objects. Some fatal construction accidents occur when workers are caught in-between objects, machinery or structures. This type of accident accounted for 7.3 percent of construction deaths during 2016.
4. Electrocution. Construction workers can come into contact with deadly amounts of electricity. Electrocutions caused 8.3 percent of the construction industry deaths in 2016.

There is another cause of death that is not mentioned by OSHA’s “fatal four” statistics for 2016. Each year, motor vehicles hit and kill roadside construction workers. Motor vehicle collisions also cause construction worker deaths.

Can Construction Workers Receive Compensation for Accidents?

Construction workers may have several options to recover compensation for workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for medical bills, lost income and potentially other expenses caused by injuries. In addition, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against an employer or a third party.

You can contact Austin construction accident attorney Aaron Allison to determine which options may be available for your situation. Our law office offers free initial consultations. To reach us, call (512) 474-8346 or use our online case review form.