Construction sites are inherently fraught with potential dangers, posing risks to both workers and passersby. Frequently, construction companies and the entities they contract with cut corners to save money, and the cost is safety. As such, fully preventable injuries at construction sites are quite common. Suppose you or someone you love was recently injured in a construction accident. In that case, it is best to speak with a seasoned Rolling Meadows construction accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Here are some of the most prevalent types of construction accidents that can lead to severe or even fatal injuries:

Excavation Hazards

Dug-out areas beneath the ground or sidewalks can collapse suddenly, endangering both those underneath and those above. Trench collapses leave workers and pedestrians with little time to react, often resulting in serious injuries.

Falling Materials

Tools, equipment, and various building materials can plummet from above, especially when work is performed on scaffolding or rooftops at considerable heights. Such objects can cause severe harm or prove fatal if they strike someone below.

Construction sites can be hazardous places to work, and when an injury occurs due to the negligence of a third party, it is essential to understand your rights. In this blog, we will discuss how to prove a third-party construction injury in Illinois.

What is a Third-Party Construction Injury?

A third-party construction injury is an injury that occurs on a construction site because of the negligence of someone other than your employer. This could include negligent property owners, contractors, sub-contractors, or any other person responsible for the safety of workers at the site.

For example,  a construction worker may be injured due to a defective scaffold or ladder. In this case, the manufacturer of the product could be liable for negligence. Another example of a third-party injury is when an injured worker slips and falls on a wet floor due to the negligence of the property owner.

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They face all kinds of risks, from falling objects to malfunctioning tools and equipment. Unfortunately, all of these risks can lead to serious injuries. That is why construction workers and employers need to be familiar with the most common types of construction-related injuries—so you can take preventative measures and reduce the chances of an on-the-job accident. If you experience a construction injury, it is important to talk with a lawyer about your legal rights.

Falls From Heights

Falling from ladders or scaffolds is very common on construction sites. Workers should always wear a harness when working at heights and follow safety protocols to reduce their risk of injury from falls. 

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Back injuries, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other musculoskeletal issues are the most commonly reported injuries among construction workers. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these conditions so that they can be addressed before they become more serious.

Despite advances in training, technology, and safety equipment, the construction industry consistently has one of the highest rates of worker fatalities and death. More than 20 percent of all worker deaths occur in the construction industry, yet construction workers make up only six percent of the labor force in this country. Approximately 1,000 construction workers are killed on the job each year. Another 175,000 workers suffer job-related injuries. Tragically, many of these construction accidents could be prevented.

The Fatal Four

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), about 20 percent of all worker fatalities are the result of the fatal four – falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught in or between objects.

Falls are the leading cause of construction worker deaths, responsible for more than 35 percent of all fatalities. Approximately 15 percent of fatalities are due to struck-by accidents. Electrocutions cause 7 percent of worker deaths and deaths caused by workers caught in or between incidents are at about 6 percent.

People go to work every day without ever thinking about the risks they face when they walk in the company door. Employees hardly consider if they are developing a long-term injury or serious illness from the tasks they are completing while on the clock. Because workplace injuries are much more common than any of us would like to think, all members of the workforce should be aware of the common causes behind those injuries and the steps to take in the event they experience one.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

There are certain jobs that come to mind when discussing workplace injuries. This list may include construction workers, steelworkers, and roofers. Realistically, however, some of the most common job-related injuries can happen in just about any setting, including an office cubical.

Examples of some of the most common causes of workplace injuries include: