Construction sites can be dangerous, and accidents are unfortunately all too common. The National Safety Council says there were over 1034 fatalities and about 250,000 non-fatal work injuries at construction sites in 2021. One of the most common causes of these injuries is falls from heights—almost one-fifth of these injuries. Construction workers need to take safety precautions to avoid injuries on the job. Whether you’re an experienced construction worker or starting, it’s essential to know what you’re up against and how to protect yourself. Read on to learn more about these five common construction accidents in Maryland and how to avoid them.
- Falls
Falls are among the most common and severe construction accidents in Maryland. In 2020, falls were the leading cause of death in the construction industry across the United States. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 1102 fatal work injuries in the private construction industry that year, 371 were due to falls. As a construction worker in Maryland, you should take all necessary precautions to prevent falls.
For example, always wear a harness and other protective equipment when working at heights. Make sure you fit your harness correctly and meet safety standards. Also, exercise caution when working near openings. By staying alert and taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid becoming one of the unfortunate statistics associated with construction accidents in Maryland.
However, if you incur work-related injuries on a construction site, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp covers medical expenses and lost wages and assists with rehabilitation needs. You can contact a Maryland construction accident and workers comp lawyer to help you navigate the claims process to get the compensation you deserve.
- Scaffolding Collapses
The most common cause of scaffolding collapses is poor installation or maintenance. That could include inadequate bracing, insufficient guardrails, or incorrectly assembled components. It’s essential to ensure that all parts of the scaffolding are secured before anyone starts working on it. Before using it, you should also check for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Other preventative measures to take when working on scaffolding include following safety protocols and wearing safety equipment such as harnesses, helmets, and gloves.
It would help if you also inspected the ground around the scaffolding to ensure it is stable and level before starting work. It’s also important to keep an eye out for loose objects that could fall from the scaffolding onto those below. These simple steps can help protect yourself and your coworkers from potential injuries caused by scaffolding collapses. However, accidents may be inevitable. In case of such an accident, contacting a construction accident lawyer is crucial to help you pursue your workers’ compensation to help you recover.
- Crane and Forklift Accidents
Construction equipment such as cranes and forklifts are integral to any construction site. However, mishandling or failure of these machines can cause serious injuries. Accidents relating to this equipment could cause serious injuries such as crushed limbs, head injuries, paralysis, and other severe consequences.
Ensure you follow the equipment’s safety precautions before starting your next project! Also, it’s crucial to stay alert when working near heavy machinery and wear proper protective gear while operating them. Be mindful of any movements so that you avoid a collision between one piece of machinery against another.
- Ladder Falls
Stairs, ladders, and high surfaces like scaffolding make up most ladder falls accidents in construction sites. It is essential to take all necessary precautions when using ladders at your job site to avoid injury! For example;
- Have non-slip boots on
- Don’t put too much weight on one side of the ladder
- Always have both hands free when going up/down a ladder
- Make sure your ladder has been inspected for defects beforehand
- Make sure you have someone spot for you when using stairs or ladders
- Never stand on the top two ladder steps – this is not for standing on!
However, suppose you suffer an injury from a ladder fall or other type of accident on a construction site. In that case, it’s crucial to consult an experienced construction accident attorney to help you file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Electrical Accidents
Construction workers in Maryland are no strangers to the danger of electrical accidents. In 2019, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were over 100 reported electrical incidents in the state. Electrical accidents are among the most hazardous construction accidents and can have serious, life-altering consequences. One of the most common causes of electrical accidents is improper installation or maintenance of electrical wiring.
Construction workers should always be vigilant when installing and maintaining wires, as even small mistakes can have dire results. Always wear protective gear like rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with electrical wiring. Another frequent cause of electrical accidents is faulty equipment. All electrical tools should be grounded and inspected regularly to ensure they work correctly. In addition, workers should never use extension cords in place of permanent wiring, as they are much less safe. Finally, electricity and water don’t mix, so it’s critical to take all necessary precautions when working near water.
Construction
As a construction worker in Maryland, it’s essential to take every precaution to protect yourself and your fellow workers from accidents and injuries. By understanding common causes of construction accidents, you can take steps to avoid them. Wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice any concerns. Be sure to stay informed about new regulations or updates to existing rules so that you can always stay up-to-date on the latest safety information. However, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation if you incur injuries in a construction site accident. You can contact an experienced construction accident lawyer to help you file your claim and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
