It is common knowledge that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous. Whether working a commercial or residential job, the risks of injury are extremely high. This is one of the main reasons why we have seen such a worker shortage in the construction sector in recent years. The fact of the matter is that many do not think pursuing a career in construction is worth it. However, the claim that construction is an inherently dangerous industry is misleading. If proper safety procedures and regulations are followed, construction would be much, much safer. That being said, construction site accidents can be devastating and are some of the most serious out there. The construction industry is actively working to address concerns people have regarding safety, but they still have a long way to go. As the industry develops and changes in order to address cultural trends and safety concerns, we hope to see a decline in the number of accidents and injuries that take place. As experienced Oklahoma construction accident attorneys, we have worked numerous cases of this nature and are prepared to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. To learn more about your rights, please contact an attorney from AMA Law today.
In the meantime, let’s look at some of the most surprising facts about construction site accidents:
- One in ten construction workers are injured every single year in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately one in ten construction workers are injured each year. These injuries vary from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious, life-threatening injuries, such as lost limbs and spinal cord injuries.
- One in five workplace fatalities occurs in the construction industry. Again according to OSHA, roughly one in five work-related deaths occur in the construction industry. Furthermore, every day in the U.S., at least two individuals working in the construction industry die from injuries they sustained on the job.
- The leading cause of fatal construction injuries are falls. The majority of construction worker deaths in the U.S. happen as a result of falls. About one-third of all deaths in the construction industry involve falls. Whether from scaffolding, roofs, or machinery, falls are extremely dangerous and life-threatening.
- Fall protection is the most violated OSHA rule. This may not come as a surprise, based on the above point, but fall protection is the most violated OSHA safety standard.
- The majority of construction workplace injuries take place in the employee’s first year of work. Around 60% of construction workplace injuries occur in the worker’s first year of employment. This is one of the main reasons why it is so imperative that we focus on properly training all construction workers before they enter the field.
- Most construction site accidents are preventable. This is perhaps one of the most surprising and concerning facts about construction site accidents. Like previously mentioned, the majority of them are entirely preventable.
If all safety procedures were adhered to and employers provided adequate training, equipment, and resources, we would likely see far less construction site accidents in our country. If you or a loved one has been injured in some type of construction accident, please contact an attorney from AMA Law today.