Construction Injury Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

Common Accidents on Raleigh Construction Sites

State and federal regulations are designed to keep workers safe on construction sites. Unfortunately, some contractors, property owners, and other employers break the rules or cut corners on safety. While this might seem to save money in the short run, it often ends up causing costly construction site accidents.

Some of the most common – and most injurious – accidents on construction sites include:

Injuries from Tools, Machines, and Equipment – Construction work requires a wide variety of tools and equipment to get the job done. These range from heavy diggers, bulldozers, and cranes to nail guns and simple hand tools. Improper safety measures and product defects can result in accidents that cause serious injuries.

Collisions with Vehicles – Motor vehicles are common on construction sites. Steady traffic flow of dump trucks, delivery vans, tractor-trailers, and even pickups transporting workers and equipment can set the stage for vehicle accidents. Construction workers are also at a heightened risk for traffic accidents when the construction site is located near a roadway or parking lot.

Fires, Explosions, and Electrical Accidents – A combination of combustible materials like chemicals, gas, and building materials, along with tools that use heat and flame can create a risk for fires or explosions on construction sites. Electrocution is also a major concern on construction sites, particularly when operating equipment near overhead powerlines or when working on unfinished electrical systems.

Crush or Entrapment Accidents – Workers’ bodies can become enmeshed in heavy equipment or crushed between two heavy objects, such as a dump truck and a wall, for example. Cave-ins, including those involving faulty trenches or structures that give way, are also tragically common in construction work.

Falls – Whether a fall on the same level (such as a trip-and-fall or slip-and-fall) or a fall from a height, falls are a very common type of construction site accident. Employers are supposed to take steps to prevent falls – for example, by providing fall protection systems, clearly marking openings in floors, removing debris and clutter, and providing safe scaffolds and ladders. When dangerous conditions are left uncorrected, workers face a great risk of injury.

Struck by Objects – If not properly managed, construction sites can become the scene of serious accidents that involve falling or flying objects. For example, tools or materials may fall from a higher level and striking workers below. A crane or hoist could drop its load and crush people beneath it. Scaffolds and framing may collapse and strike workers. These are just a few examples of how construction accidents can involve falling objects.