What Are the Main Causes of Accidents in the Construction Industry?

The construction industry, one of the most hazardous sectors in the United States, accounted for 21% of worker fatalities in 2021​​. Despite stringent safety measures, construction site accidents remain prevalent, often leading to significant repercussions for workers and their families.

Workers’ compensation provides a safety net that offers medical care and payment for lost wages to injured construction workers. Our seasoned New York construction accident lawyers have helped hundreds of construction workers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut navigate workers’ comp claims and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Request a free consultation for more information about how we can help you.

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents

Despite advancements in safety measures, the rate of injuries and accidents on construction sites remains concerningly high. That’s why managers must understand and address the most common hazards on job sites, notably these four:

1. Falls: Falls are the most common cause of work-related fatalities and occur due to inadequate fall protection, unsafe scaffolding, and other height-related risks.
2. Struck-by Incidents: Being hit by heavy machinery, construction vehicles, or falling materials can result in disastrous injuries.
3. Electrocutions: Electrocutions result from unsafe handling of electrical equipment or improperly exposed electrical wires.
4. Caught In/Between Objects: Construction workers can face grave injuries when caught or compressed by equipment, objects, or collapsing structures.

The persistently high rate of accidents in construction should only reinforce the need for rigorous safety protocols and continuous training to mitigate these hazards effectively.

Safety Violations that Lead to Accidents on Construction Sites

Construction site accidents like scaffold accidents and crane accidents are often preventable and can stem from safety violations such as:

• Inadequate Safety Training: Construction workers without adequate knowledge of safety and hazards are more prone to make mistakes and put themselves and others at risk.
• Failure to Use PPE: Failing to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and respirators leaves workers vulnerable to hazards.
• Unsafe Work Practices: Improper work practices — like improperly using ladders and failing to secure loads — can lead to serious accidents.

The responsibility for preventing such incidents falls mostly on employers, who must create a safe working environment for construction workers. This duty involves more than just providing the necessary equipment; it also includes ensuring workers receive comprehensive training and take appropriate safety precautions.

Will Workers’ Compensation Cover Your Expenses?

Workers’ compensation is a government-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to construction workers who are injured or killed on the job. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.

However, while these benefits offer initial relief, they may not fully cover all expenses — especially in more severe construction site cases. In such situations, pursuing a third-party personal injury claim might be necessary.

Unfortunately, the legal landscape of construction injuries is unnecessarily intricate, governed by over 180 federal laws enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor — not to mention numerous state and local regulations. This complex web of legal nuance requires the assistance of a seasoned construction injury lawyer. A skilled attorney can navigate these regulations to give you the best chance of receiving compensation that addresses the full extent of your injuries and losses.

Time Limits for Construction Accidents

When it comes to construction site accidents, one critical aspect that you must be aware of is the time limits for filing a workers’ compensation claim. In New York City, the deadline for filing is usually three years from the accident date.

However, this is not always the case. For example, if the claim involves a government agency or public entity, the timeframe is significantly shorter, often requiring a claim to be filed within 90 days and a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days of the accident.

Failing to adhere to these time constraints can lead to the dismissal of your lawsuit, so the importance of consulting with a construction accident attorney as soon as possible cannot be understated.