The construction industry is by far one of the most dangerous industries to work in. In fact, approximately 150,000 accidents occur each year on United States construction job sites.

In the year 2013 alone, there were more than 82,000 non-fatal injuries and almost 800 fatalities for private-sector construction. This does not include any government-funded construction projects, either. These statistics are what make construction one of the deadliest industries to work for.

A construction accident in Hudson Valley can be devastating, which is why attorneys are there to help loved ones receive the compensation they deserve for their losses, financial damages, and more.

Employers and those involve in the job site are required to provide a safe working environment. They must deploy strategies to avoid common construction site injuries as well.

The construction industry is closely monitored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This government agency creates and enforces safety standards for construction sites. When these regulations are ignored, injuries often occur. Any violation of OSHA regulations is considered negligence and a construction accident in Hudson Valley could result in a construction accident lawsuit as a result.

Assessing the Fatal Four in Construction

OSHA has listed the four accidents that account for most of the deaths and serious injuries on the construction site. These “fatal four” include falls from high places, getting caught in between objects, being struck by an object, and electrocutions.

The Risk of Ladder Accidents on the Jobsite

It is estimated that there are almost 36 deaths and over 24,000 injuries per year because of ladder and stair falls in the construction industry. Ladders are typically unstable but needed in construction. Therefore, they are likely to tip over or slip. Older ladders could break easily.

While these accidents are tragic, this type of construction accident in Hudson Valley is 100 percent preventable. All an employer must do is ensure that their workers have protection against falls and maintain all ladders that are given to employees. When ladders are being placed, employers should have a strict protocol that ensures that they are not placed anywhere that creates a risk for tipping or slipping.

The Risk for Roofing Accidents

A common industry in construction that has numerous falls and burns is that of roofing. Roofers work at extreme heights, and it is common for one to fall and break a limb or suffer from a traumatic brain injury. Fall protection systems, which include anchors and body supports, should be used by employers consistently. These prevent roofers from sliding off the rooftop and harming themselves.

What are the Common Injuries from Construction Accidents?

Construction accidents have their fair share of common injuries, which include:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Severe fractures and bone breaks
  • Crush injuries
  • Vital organ damage
  • Burns
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Amputations
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Death

Most of these injuries, however, are preventable, which is why an attorney will investigate and hold any responsible parties accountable for their employees’ injury.