Common Arizona Construction Accidents

The construction industry is one of the most important industries in Arizona. However, it also happens to be one of the most dangerous for workers. In fact, it has been estimated that nearly 10% of all workplace injuries and 20% of all workplace deaths happen on construction sites. Common construction injuries include:

• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Severed limbs
• Severed appendages
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Cuts
• Lacerations
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Death

Due to the danger associated with the construction industry, it is important for construction workers to familiarize themselves with the following workplace hazards in order to prevent their occurrence.

• Falling debris – Construction work is frequently performed from elevated heights. This poses a risk to workers on the ground from falling construction tools and materials. Serious injuries can occur when construction workers are struck by falling items, even if proper safety attire is utilized.
• Equipment accidents – Construction sites often contain multiple pieces of heavy machinery. Cranes, forklifts, cement mixers, and bulldozers are but a few of the types of heavy equipment that can be found on construction sites. And due to the power of these machines, the risk of injury associated with their operation is high.
• Falls – As noted above, construction work is often performed from great heights, thereby increasing the risk of falls. In fact, roughly 20 to 30% of all accidents on construction sites involve falls, and the associated injuries can be severe.
• Vehicle Accidents – It isn’t uncommon for workers on construction sites to be struck by automobiles while on the job. One specific type of work-related vehicle accident is known as a backover. A backover occurs when a construction worker is struck by a vehicle while it is backing up, often resulting in severe injuries. In addition, construction workers often perform their duties near busy public roads, exposing them to the risk of being struck by passing traffic.
• Fires and explosions – Fires and explosions at construction sites are not uncommon due to hazards like unfinished electrical systems, exposed wiring, and flammable chemicals. Any of these items can result in fires, explosions, and chemical inhalation. And while these types of mishaps don’t occur as regularly as some other kinds of accidents, they can have devastating consequences.
• Collapses – Building that is being built or demolished sometimes collapse unexpectedly, resulting in injuries and death. In addition, trenches occasionally collapse and injure individuals in the area.
• Overexertion – Construction work is difficult, and it often requires employees to exert themselves physically, making them susceptible to overexertion-related injuries such as heat stroke, muscle, and joint damage, repetitive motion injuries, and hypothermia.

Arizona Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workplace injuries can be devastating, both physically and financially. However, they are even more catastrophic when an employer or insurance company has wrongly denied your claim. Therefore, if you or a loved one have had a claim denied, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced Arizona workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible, as you may be entitled to compensation. For a free consultation, please contact Arizona Injury Law Group, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, at 602-346-9009.