5 Common Florida Construction Accident Injuries
Over 500K people are employed in the Florida construction industry. As the economy in the state continues to improve, it only makes sense that the industry will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. While this is good news for Florida’s economy, it also means that construction injuries are a serious concern. It’s estimated that 20% of all workplace fatalities in the U.S. are due to construction-related accidents. In Florida alone, over 300 people die in work-related accidents annually, with the construction industry being number one on the list when it comes to fatalities. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common types of construction accident injuries. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure to contact an experienced Florida workers’ comp attorney to help protect your rights.
1. Falling
Falling is the most common accident-causing injury on construction sites. Buildings that are fully-built have walls, handrails, elevators, stairs, and more safety mechanisms and barriers to help limit fall accidents. However, if a building is under construction, these features are not in place – after all, it’s the job of construction workers to add them. Because of this, construction workers are putting themselves at risk to help eliminate this risk for others who will use the building at some point.
There are safety measures used to help protect construction workers, especially for those who work at the top level of a skyscraper or high-rise building but even though safety gear is being used, all this does is reduce – not eliminate – the possibility of an accident. Experiencing a fall, especially from a significant height, will lead to serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
2. Trip, Slip, and Fall Accidents
A trip and fall accident occurs if someone trips over something and then suffers an injury when they fall. Sometimes, on construction sites, workers trip over loose tools, uneven ground, or wires. Usually, slip and fall accidents occur on construction sites when it is raining, if they have muddy shoes, or if some type of liquid has been spilled. Along with falls in general, trips, slips, and falls are very common injuries on any construction site.
3. Struck-by Accidents
On any construction site, there is a constant movement of heavy machinery and people. You will also find there are large, heavy beams being moved from place to place. Also, with people often working on raised surfaces, there is a higher likelihood they will be hit or struck by something that has fallen by another work area. Unfortunately, struck-by accidents are quite common on construction sites and can lead to serious injuries and even death depending on what fell.
4. Electrocution
Another potential injury that can occur on construction sites is due to electrical components. Electrical wiring and power have to be installed when a building is being constructed. This means that the safeguards used to prevent electrical shock are not in place. Construction workers must install these, too. Unfortunately, this also means they don’t have the level of protection that others do.
An electrical shock can occur in many ways. For example, they can be caused by the energy meant for the building or the different electrical devices used during the building’s construction. Electrical equipment that isn’t properly grounded, working near live power lines and exposed live wiring can cause electrical-related injuries.
5. Repetitive Stress Injuries
A repetitive stress injury can occur when you do the same physical task again and again. This type of injury ranges from back issues, a loss of hearing and even carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s important to note that these injuries are not typically fatal, and they aren’t as serious as the others on the list. While this is true, they are still prevalent on Florida’s construction sites and can create long-term issues for workers. Moreover, these types of repetitive stress injuries can result in expensive and ongoing hospital costs. They may also cause unemployment because they often result in people being unable to do their job properly.
Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Help With Your Construction Accident Case
If you have suffered an on-the-job injury at a Florida construction site, don’t hesitate to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Pardy & Rodriguez, PA – A Firm Dedicated To You for assistance. Our attorneys can review the specifics of your case and help you know what to do to receive the compensation you deserve. To get help and information about your Florida workers’ compensation case, schedule a free consultation today by calling (561) 513-4376 or fill out our online contact form.
