Construction work is a difficult and hazardous job. The danger is a common feature of the trade, and most construction workers and companies take precautions to minimize risk to try and ensure a safe workspace. Still, accidents do happen.
Injuries from falling construction debris, tools, and other objects are common causes of construction site injuries and loss of life. According to OSHA, construction injuries from falling debris are a “Fatal Four” reason for construction site deaths. But even when accidents do not result in death, they can still cause long-term injury with life-changing implications.
If falling debris injured you or a loved one, you need knowledgeable and experienced attorneys on your side. D’Amore Law Group thoroughly investigates and analyses every individual case and is here to assist you. When it comes to your best interests, we are an aggressive law firm dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Reasons for Getting Struck by Falling Debris at Construction Sites
When falling construction debris strikes a worker or pedestrian, it usually occurs because someone disregarded procedures to prevent accidents. Heightened risks from falling objects also happen when you stand beneath cranes, scaffolds, and other sites where people are working overhead. Risks from flying objects occur when workers use power tools or perform activities like pulling or prying, and such activity spews airborne objects into the environment.
The most common falling objects range from roof trusses and steel beams to fasteners and small hand tools. Injuries also often occur from:
- Failure to use safety devices that catch or stop falling objects and debris;
- Failure to hold onto or properly secure tools or machine components;
- Improperly securing a load on a crane, hoist, or boom;
- Improperly stacking materials or supplies;
- Incorrectly using tools or equipment;
- Lifting loads that are too heavy;
- Malfunctioning equipment;
- Faulty materials or parts leading to a breakdown or structural collapse;
- Lack of adequately trained workers;
- Failure to enforce the use of hard hats and other safety equipment; and
- Lack of posted signs warning passersby to keep out.
Construction work is an intrinsically dangerous job. The legal team at D’Amore Law Group knows that accidents caused by falling debris can result in overwhelming injuries or death and is here to help you achieve a just outcome. We have been winning cases involving construction accidents for over 30 years, and we understand how difficult and confusing an injury’s aftermath can be for victims. Collecting workers’ compensation and disability insurance and dealing with employers can be a staggering burden, especially while recuperating from a severe injury. D’Amore Law Group is committed to working with you and your family to address your accident and challenging financial and personal losses. We will stand by you every step of the way.
Types of Injuries Commonly Caused by Falling Objects
An injury’s severity often depends on the size and weight of the falling object. The height the object fell from and whether the fall was slowed by another object also make a difference. Whether a victim wore safety gear during the accident will also affect the severity of a victim’s injuries.
Types of injuries commonly caused by falling objects at construction sites include:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries,
- Bruises, cuts, lacerations, and punctures;
- Sprains, strains, and soft tissue tears;
- Broken and fractured bones;
- Eye injuries;
- Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries;
- Burns and electrocutions;
- Neck and back injuries;
- Permanent disability; and
- Death.
Most of these injuries are avoidable. Unfortunately, companies who cut corners and upper-management employees who fail to prioritize worker and pedestrian safety can increase your chances of being injured. If you suffer construction injuries from falling debris, you can count on the D’Amore Law Group to guide you through its aftermath. We work hard to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve for past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Minimize the Risk of Getting Struck by Falling Debris
Construction work will always be a dangerous job. But there are ways to keep the number of injuries and fatalities from falling debris to a minimum. For instance, workers can use tool lanyards and tethers that attach tools directly to a harness or tool belt. Taking these actions can stop tools from dropping to a lower level. Assuring tool belts and harnesses work correctly every time a worker uses them is also essential.
Below is a list of other safety measures that all construction companies and their workers should observe:
- Wear hardhats, safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and other protective equipment, especially where machines or tools may cause flying particles;
- Use toeboards, screens, or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent falling objects;
- Use debris nets, catch platforms, or canopies to catch or deflect falling objects;
- Inspect tools such as saws and lathes to ensure that protective guards are in good condition;
- Inspect cranes and hoists to assure all components, such as wire rope, lifting hooks, and chains, are in good condition;
- Do not exceed crane and hoist lifting capacity;
- Inspect all guardrails, screens, open grates, and other barricades above or near high-traffic areas;
- Stack and secure materials to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse;
- Reduce compressed air used for cleaning to 30 psi, and only use with appropriate guarding and protective equipment;
- Never clean clothing with compressed air;
- Assure that companies train all workers to operate powder-actuated tools properly;
- Avoid working underneath moving loads;
- Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs;
- Stay clear of areas with posted warning signs and barricaded hazard areas; and
- Do not walk under ladders or scaffolds.
These safety tips can reduce or eliminate construction debris accidents and potentially save the lives of workers and bystanders. But even if construction companies and workers follow these safety measures, accidents can still happen. When they do, having an experienced legal team on your side will enhance the odds of prevailing if you bring a claim for compensation.
Call D’Amore Law Group Today
If you have suffered construction injuries from falling debris, we can help. The D’Amore Law Group has successfully advocated for many victims of construction debris accidents and their families. We have won just compensation from negligent general contractors, subcontractors, other employers, and manufacturers of faulty equipment. If falling construction debris injured you or a loved one, it is crucial to speak to an experienced construction lawyer today. Call us or visit us online to set up a free consultation.
