Minneapolis Construction Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Construction Accidents

A construction accident refers to any incident or mishap that occurs on a construction site and results in injury, property damage, or even death. These accidents can be caused by various factors, including unsafe working conditions, lack of proper safety measures, equipment failure, or human error.

The following are common types of construction accidents:

• Falls from Heights: These accidents occur when workers fall from elevated surfaces like scaffolds, ladders, or roofs. Lack of proper safety measures such as guardrails or harnesses can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Prevention involves strict adherence to safety protocols, regular inspection of equipment, and providing adequate fall protection training and gear.
• Struck by Objects: Workers can be injured by falling tools, materials, or moving equipment on construction sites. This type of accident often results from inadequate storage practices, lack of proper signage, or failure to maintain clear work zones. To prevent such incidents, it's crucial to secure tools and materials properly, implement barriers or nets to catch falling objects, and ensure all workers wear appropriate safety gear.
• Electrocutions: Accidental contact with live wires or faulty electrical equipment can result in electrocution on construction sites. Poor wiring practices, inadequate grounding, and lack of awareness around electrical hazards contribute to these incidents. Prevention includes regular inspection of electrical systems, proper training on electrical safety, and enforcing strict protocols for working near electrical sources.
• Caught-in/between Accidents: These accidents involve workers being caught or crushed by machinery or collapsing structures. Trench collapses, entanglement in machinery, or being pinned against objects are common scenarios. Preventative measures include proper training on equipment operation, regular maintenance of machinery, and strict adherence to safety protocols for trenching and excavation work.
• Slip and Falls: Workers can slip on wet, uneven, or cluttered surfaces on construction sites, leading to injuries. Poor housekeeping, inadequate lighting, and lack of slip-resistant footwear contribute to these accidents. Prevention involves keeping work areas clean and dry, providing adequate lighting, and ensuring workers wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
• Overexertion: Injuries from lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive tasks are common on construction sites. Improper lifting techniques, inadequate rest breaks, and ergonomic issues contribute to overexertion injuries. Prevention strategies include training workers on proper lifting techniques, implementing ergonomic work practices, and scheduling regular breaks to prevent fatigue.
• Fires and Explosions: Construction sites are prone to fires and explosions due to flammable materials, electrical hazards, or gas leaks. Poor storage of combustible materials, improper handling of chemicals, and inadequate fire prevention measures can lead to these incidents. Preventative measures include storing flammable materials properly, conducting regular safety audits, and providing fire extinguishers and training on their use.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Workers may be exposed to harmful substances like asbestos or silica dust during construction activities. Inhalation of these substances can lead to serious health issues. Prevention involves identifying hazardous materials before work begins, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing engineering controls to minimize exposure.
• Vehicle Accidents: Construction vehicles such as forklifts, cranes, and dump trucks pose risks of collisions or rollovers on site. Poor visibility, improper vehicle operation, and inadequate traffic control contribute to these accidents. Prevention includes implementing traffic management plans, ensuring operators are trained and licensed, and maintaining clear communication between workers and vehicle operators.
• Structural Failures: Partial or complete collapses of structures under construction can result from design flaws, poor materials, or improper assembly. These failures pose significant risks to workers and nearby areas. Prevention involves rigorous structural inspections, adherence to engineering specifications, and ensuring all construction phases follow approved plans and standards.