The New Jersey construction industry employs more than 160,000 people. The industry also had 16 job-related fatalities in 2020; the highest number of these were in New Jersey. Considering the work involved, it’s no surprise that construction sites are often dangerous.
The four leading causes of construction industry fatalities have been identified by The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Construction site accidents also comprise many workers compensation claims.
Falls and slips
Falls and slips accounted for 7 of New Jersey’s 16 construction site fatalities in 2020. Roofs, ladders and scaffolding are common locations for fatal falls and slips. The risk is even greater when a worker doesn’t have safety equipment and the proper training. It’s common for workers to seek compensation for damages following these accidents.
Shocks
Coming in contact with live electrical wires is a common cause of electrocution accidents. Making contact with faulty equipment can also lead to painful or deadly shocks. In addition to fatalities, these accidents can result in severe burns.
Falling or flying objects
Tools, equipment or debris can fall from tall heights on a construction site. These falling items can strike a construction worker on the ground. The OSHA requires hard hats for workers in areas with a danger of flying or falling objects striking a person. However, hard hats don’t prevent harm to the torso and other body parts.
Caught-in-between objects
Caught-in-between refers to a worker trapped in machinery or stuck between two objects. These accidents usually result from improper machinery use or inadequate safety precautions. Great bodily harm can result from these accidents.
Construction site safety
Employers can make construction sites safer by providing workers with safety equipment and the proper training. To reduce the risk of electrocution, workers should know how to avoid and recognize electrical hazards.