You have to be tough to work in the construction industry. 5% of the population makes their living on building sites, however, the construction industry accounts for 27% of employee fatalities and 10% of major injuries. And to add to these concerning figures, around 3,700 occupational cancer cases are linked to the patient spending part of their working life in the construction industry.
This blog will discuss the most common types of incidents which contribute to workplace injuries in the construction industry, and how to claim for compensation if you have received an injury while working on a construction site because of the negligence of another party.
The Danger Zone – What are the Most Common Types of Injuries Construction Workers are at Risk Of?
Falls are far and away the biggest threat to a construction worker’s life. Accounting for 59% of fatalities in 2012/13, falls pose a serious risk to employees within the construction industry. The remaining top causes of deaths are:
- Being struck by a moving vehicle
- The collapse of scaffolding or other materials
- Fatalities caused by electrical accidents
- Being hit by a moving vehicle
The top five causes of serious injury are:
- Falls
- Slips and trips
- Being hit by a falling object
- Handling materials
Although the number of fatal injuries fell last year, what is alarming about this data is a majority of the incidents that cause fatalities or serious injuries can be prevented. There are many measures construction companies can take to improve workplace safety standards including:
- Implementation of a detailed fall management program
- Qualifying sub-contractors training and safety standards before contracting them to a project
- Having well-organised, regular staff training sessions
- Ensuring there is a uniform standard of health and safety measures throughout the entire company
Steps to Take if You are Injured on a Construction Site
If you are injured on a construction site you may be able to claim compensation, either from your employer, or if you are a self-employed contractor, the developer, the owner of the site, or the company that employed your services.
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), a site manager must report any serious injuries or fatalities to the Health & Safety Executive.
After you have taken care of your personal safety and received any necessary medical care, it is important that you, or a trusted person:
- Take the names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident
- Take photographs of the accident site
- Write down any important details that you will need to tell your solicitor
- Keep hold of any medical notes
- Do not accept any responsibility for the accident
Are No Win No Fee Arrangements Available For Construction Injury Compensation?
Absolutely. Many personal injury law firms offer no win no fee arrangements, designed to make it easier to claim for compensation. If you have received a serious injury on a construction site due to the negligence of someone else, the consequences can be life-long and devastating. Being able to claim for compensation to assist with long term care and medical costs is a remedy that should be available to everyone, regardless of their personal financial circumstances. This is precisely why no win no fee arrangements were introduced in the late 1990s.
If you have suffered from an injury, or lost a loved one due to an accident on a construction site, then contact us today by filling in our contact form or calling us on 0333 400 4445. Our experienced team can advise you as to whether you have a reasonable claim, and the next steps to take to proceed with the case.
