A construction site is one of the most dangerous places a person can work for obvious reasons. Many hazards, such as ladders, scaffolding, heights, and heavy equipment, come with the job. Here is a list of seven stats about construction accidents that will make you worry about your safety at work.
- One in Ten Construction Workers Are Injured Every Year
It is estimated that one in ten construction workers is injured every year. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics also states that construction is the most dangerous job. Injuries are not only things that keep you out of work for a short period, but they can also lead to permanent disability or even death in some cases.
- Two Out of Every Five Workers Suffered from a Lower Back Injury
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, construction workers are more at risk of a lower back injury than any other type of worker in the country. This makes sense because many physical tasks such as lifting, digging, and hammering require a lot of force which can lead to injury if done improperly.
- Stability Equipment Injuries are the Most Common
Low back injuries are not the only kind that construction workers can suffer from. Stability equipment such as ladders and scaffolding are also very common causes of injury. Usually, these injuries are minor but can lead to permanent disability if left untreated.
- Dangerous Falling Objects Lead to Injury Most Often
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in construction. Debris, tools, ladders, and other objects that fall out of reach or break loose during work lead to falls being the most frequent type amongst all construction workers injured at work each year.
- Only 30 Percent of Construction Workers Report an Injury on the Job
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, just thirty percent of construction workers report an injury on the job, which means that most employees are not even aware they have been injured. Only twenty-five percent would go to a doctor if they suffered an injury while at work.
- The Job with the Highest Injury Rates in the Construction Industry is Ironwork
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics also reports that the construction industry’s job with the highest injury rate is ironwork, followed by roofers and carpenters. The most common injuries for ironworkers are hand, wrist, foot, and eye problems. The most common injuries for roofers are head, ankle, or knee problems. The most common injuries for carpenters are hand or wrist problems.
- Construction Work is Incredibly Dangerous for Employees Under 25
Despite all the statistics, construction work is hazardous for employees under twenty-five. Construction workers in this age group are more likely to be injured at work than other workers. This could be because younger construction workers are less educated about safety and accident prevention methods.
While every job is more dangerous than it was years ago, construction work is one of the most hazardous jobs in the world. With so many accidents that can occur at work, it is important to be fully prepared to keep yourself safe. Construction companies should do everything possible to make the site as safe as possible. A simple internet search for terms like “noise monitoring equipment hire” or “construction PPE” should pull a list of companies that you can check out for purchasing safety equipment. A construction accident lawyer can help you or your family get compensation if you get injured on the job.