Construction sites are as dangerous as they sound

If you work in the construction industry, you should never lose sight of the fact that you could be part of an accident at some point. When this is in the back of your mind, there’s a better chance that you’ll do whatever it takes to remain safe at all times.

Construction site accidents often occur when people stop paying attention to what they’re doing. Unfortunately, even if you’re paying close attention to the task at hand, a mistake by another worker could result in serious injury or death.

Here are some of the top causes of construction injuries:

• Falls: Obviously, this happens most often when working on a roof, ladder, or scaffolding, but even a slip-and-fall can happen on the uneven ground of a jobsite. Either way, a fall can cause a variety of injuries, from broken bones to a concussion to death, if high enough.
• Falling objects: When working at height, there is always the chance that an object could fall to the ground. Anyone standing or working below could be fair game for an injury should something drop.
• Equipment accidents: From construction vehicles to power tools, you likely use a variety of equipment to perform your job. Mechanical failures or defective designs can cause deadly injuries, especially when using heavy or motorized equipment.
• Repetitive motion: This isn’t something that happens right away, but, instead develops over time. An example would be someone who lifts heavy items one day after the next. As the months go by, this could result in a shoulder, elbow, knee or back injury (among other types).

If you are part of a construction site accident, stay where you are until help arrives. Also, inform your supervisor as to what went wrong, so he or she can create the necessary report.

If your medical team suggests that you avoid strenuous activity while you recover, you may be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The money you receive while you recover can help you remain financially stable until you are able to return to work.