According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls, slips, and trips accounted for 39.2% (421 fatalities) of all construction work-related deaths in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available. Falls are just one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry.
Although construction work is by nature more dangerous than most other jobs, it’s still the responsibility of the construction company to reduce the risk of workplace accidents by implementing proper safety measures.
If you have been injured in one of these common construction accidents, our New York construction accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive all compensation available to you.
Breaking down the Fatal Four hazards in construction jobs
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies four top dangers at construction sites, known as the “Fatal Four”: worker falls, struck-by accidents, electrocution, and caught-between hazards. These are the leading causes of fatalities on job sites. In a recent year, the Fatal Four caused nearly 60% of all construction deaths.
Cause #1: Falls
Falls, including falls from heights and falls from ladders, are the leading preventable cause of injury and death on construction sites. Most fatal falls occur from elevated workspaces, such as scaffolding, ladders, and roofs, or due to unprotected edges of the elevated platform or workspace.
Fall protection equipment, like harnesses and guardrails, prevents workers from falling, so if your site has them, use them. Report any defective equipment to your foreman. When using scaffolding and ladders, ensure they’re properly erected before use; improper setup and overloading of scaffolding and ladders contribute to falls.
Cause #2: Struck-by incidents
Struck-by incidents, such as being hit by a falling object, materials, or tools, or moving machinery, can cause head injuries even with a hard hat. Securely store materials when working on scaffolding and ladders, make sure to use proper rigging for loads, and be very aware of your surroundings, whether you’re the person working on a raised platform or the one walking beneath. In some cases, faulty equipment, like defective hoists, unstable scaffolding, or malfunctioning cranes, can also lead to devastating struck-by accidents on construction sites.
Cause #3: Electrocution
Live wires and power lines pose a serious danger on construction sites. Contact with hot wires or using faulty equipment can lead to fatal electrocution incidents.
Make sure that all equipment is de-energized before beginning work, and use proper lock-out/tag-out protocols to avoid accidental electrocutions. Make sure to use proper grounding and always use extreme caution around any power lines or electrically powered equipment.
Cause #4: Caught-between hazards
Caught-between injuries include pinching, crushing, or compression of a person or part of their body between two pieces of equipment or between equipment and a solid object, like the wall or floor. Improperly shored trenches have a higher potential to collapse on workers.
Always use caution around moving machinery, wear protective equipment, and maintain safety barriers around heavy equipment. Ensure proper training and communication to prevent someone from crossing into the path of heavy equipment.
Your rights after a construction site injury
Injured construction workers in New York are eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits, which include full coverage of all necessary medical and rehabilitative care, plus a partial wage replacement so you can pay your bills while you’re out of work recuperating.
If your accident was caused by a third party, like a careless subcontractor or vendor, you may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit, in addition to your workers’ comp benefits. An experienced NYC construction accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
The attorneys at The Weinstein Law Group support the rights of injured construction workers and their families after injuries on construction sites. Call us today at (212) 741-3800 or contact us online for a free consultation.