Construction sites in Texas are inherently dangerous, whether for commercial high-rises or residential homes. Every year, workers face serious risks of construction accidents that can lead to injuries or fatalities.
In 2022, the Texas construction industry saw 141 fatal occupational injuries, marking an increase from 127 in 2021. These fatalities accounted for 24% of all workplace deaths in the state, making construction one of the most dangerous industries.
What is the most common cause of injury on a construction site?
OSHA identifies four major causes of construction-related deaths, known as the "Fatal Four": falls, struck-by incidents, electrocution, and caught-in-between accidents.
Falls
Falls remain the leading cause of fatalities on construction sites. Workers often operate at heights using ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or platforms. Slips and trips on uneven or slippery surfaces also contribute to these accidents. Open floor openings or unfinished staircases further increase the risk. Without proper fall protection, workers face life-threatening injuries.
Struck-by incidents
Struck-by accidents happen when workers are hit by falling objects, moving equipment, or machinery. Construction sites are busy environments where tools, materials, and debris constantly shift. For example, a tool dropped from a high floor or a vehicle moving through the site can lead to devastating injuries.
Electrocution
Contact with live electrical wires, faulty equipment, or poorly grounded systems causes many electrocution incidents. This risk is particularly high during demolition, wiring, or maintenance work. A single exposed wire can turn a routine task into a life-threatening situation.
Caught-in-between accidents
These accidents occur when workers become trapped between machinery, collapsing structures, or other objects. Excavation sites, where trenches can cave in, pose significant risks. Improperly secured heavy equipment can also lead to crushing injuries, making vigilance crucial in these environments.
What are specific scenarios that lead to construction accidents?
Several preventable factors drive commercial and residential construction accidents. Insufficient training, missing protective gear, and improper fall protection often leave workers vulnerable. Unsecured sites with loose debris or poorly marked hazards further amplify the risks. Additionally, equipment failures due to neglected maintenance can turn routine tasks into emergencies. Weather challenges like high winds or heavy rain compound dangers, while overexertion from lifting heavy loads without proper techniques frequently results in serious injuries.
Commercial construction
Commercial construction projects often involve larger crews, more complex machinery, and multi-story buildings, which increase the likelihood of severe accidents. Common scenarios include:
- Scaffolding collapses: Overloaded or improperly assembled scaffolding can lead to falls and injuries for multiple workers.
- Crane accidents: Heavy lifting operations with cranes can cause catastrophic accidents when machinery malfunctions or loads shift unexpectedly.
- Elevator installation accidents: Elevator shafts that are often unsecured during installation or maintenance pose fall hazards.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Demolition and renovation work often involve contact with asbestos, lead, or other harmful substances.
Residential construction
While residential sites may seem less risky, they present their own set of dangers, often tied to smaller crews and less oversight. Common scenarios include:
- Falls from unfinished structures: Open floor joists, exposed staircases, and incomplete roofs create dangerous environments for workers.
- Power tool injuries: Nail guns, saws, and other tools frequently cause lacerations, punctures, or even amputations when misused.
- Trench collapses: Excavation work for foundations or utilities can trap workers if trenches are not properly reinforced.
- Falling debris: During framing or roofing, unsecured materials can fall and injure those working below.
How can construction accidents be avoided on the site?
Most construction accidents can be prevented simply by taking proactive steps to create safer work environments. Construction companies should always adhere to OSHA regulations to ensure workers operate under proven safety standards. For example, OSHA mandates specific fall protection systems for work conducted at heights.
Additionally, construction companies should conduct regular safety meetings. Frequent training sessions help workers recognize hazards and adopt safe practices. Clear communication between workers and supervisors helps coordinate tasks and avoid confusion that could lead to work accidents. Supervisors should also routinely inspect construction sites to identify and address potential dangers such as loose scaffolding, exposed wiring, or unsecured tools.
Lastly, workers should always wear PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, and safety harnesses, and know how to operate fall protection systems effectively.
Get the compensation you deserve after a construction accident
If you were injured in a construction accident, you need an experienced attorney who can fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. The San Antonio construction accident lawyers at The Herrera Law Firm have decades of experience handling third-party claims and holding negligent parties accountable, including negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other companies responsible for unsafe conditions.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your potential legal options. Plus, you pay nothing upfront because we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Let us investigate your construction accident, build a strong claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call our law office in San Antonio today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
