Common Types Of Construction Accidents In Illinois
Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs. According to research, approximately 60,000 fatal accidents happen yearly on construction sites worldwide. That is one fatal accident occurring every ten minutes.
If you suffer injuries while working at a construction site in Illinois, it is important for you to know that you may be protected by the workers’ compensation system. After suffering injuries at a construction site in Illinois, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries.
Different types of accidents can happen at a construction site. However, some accidents are more common than others on construction sites. The following are eight of the most common construction site accidents;
- Slip, Trip, and Falls
Slip, trip, and fall accidents on construction sites can happen because of, for example, debris, limited lighting, water or oil on the ground, holes in the floor, or unsafe or broken stairs. Slip, trip, and fall accidents can cause injuries like sprained ankles, traumatic brain injuries, broken legs, lacerations, and paralysis. A slip, trip, and fall accident can even cause death.
2. Falling From Heights
Construction workers can fall from ladders, roofs, scaffoldings, or chimneys. Despite the protective equipment a worker might be wearing, falling from a high place can result in serious injuries.
3. Machinery Accidents
Most of the equipment used on construction sites requires special training to operate. If someone who is not properly trained uses a piece of equipment, they could hurt themselves or others in the process. Even with enough training, machinery accidents can still happen at construction sites. For example, an accident can happen because of a defect or equipment failure.
4. Demolition Accidents
A building that is being demolished can suddenly or unexpectedly collapse, injuring or killing those inside. The explosives often used during demolition can also place workers in danger.
5. Repetitive Strain Injuries
A repetitive strain injury occurs because of repetitive motions and constant use and damages muscles, tendons, or nerves. Construction workers perform repetitive manual work, including lifting, pulling, and pushing, that puts them at high risk of suffering repetitive strain injuries. Examples of repetitive strain injuries among construction workers include carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendinitis.
6. Fires and Explosions
Electrical issues, chemical and gas leaks, and improper handling of flammable materials are just a few of the things that can cause fires and explosions on construction sites. When a fire or an explosion happens at a construction site, it can result in, among others, burns, lung problems, other diseases related to smoke inhalation, and death.
7. Vehicle Accidents
Construction workers working next to highways or streets are at great risk of being hit by reckless drivers. At such sites, traffic is usually slowed down or rerouted, and this can cause frustration to drivers who, in turn, choose to drive recklessly.
8. Electrocutions
Construction workers working next to a power source or power line are at significant risk of electrocution accidents. Exposed wires and unfinished electrical systems on a construction site also create electrocution risks for workers.
Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you suffered injuries while working on a construction site in Illinois, contact our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law for legal help.
Source:
researchgate.net/publication/263552916_Occupational_health_and_safety_in_the_construction_industry#:~:text=The%20International%20Labour%20Organization%20(ILO)%20estimated%20that%20at%20least%2060%20000%20fatal%20accidents%20occur%20each%20year%20on%20construction%20sites%20around%20the%20world%2C%20representing%20one%20fatal%20accident%20every%2010%20m
