5 Fatal Construction Site Accidents That Are Sadly Common

If you’ve spent any time in St. Petersburg, you’ve probably noticed just how much construction is happening. New buildings are going up, roads are being worked on, and there’s always a crane or two dotting the skyline. It’s exciting to see the city grow, but with all this development comes a reality that doesn’t always get talked about: construction site accidents.

Now, nobody really thinks about construction site dangers unless they work in the industry or know someone who does. But the truth is, these sites can be incredibly risky, and accidents happen more often than not. 

Understanding the most common types of construction accidents isn’t just for workers; it’s for anyone who walks by, drives past, or even considers hiring a contractor. Because the more we know about these dangers, the more we can do to prevent them. St. Petersburg construction accident lawyers are always available to come to the aid of anyone who has found themselves victims of these accidents.

Falls from Heights

Working at elevated positions is a routine part of many construction projects, and so, the danger of falling is ever-present. 

Construction workers often work on scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, and open floors with no railings. Even a small misstep can lead to a fatal fall. In 2019 alone, 401 construction workers died from falls in the U.S., that’s nearly one-third of all construction-related deaths.

These falls don’t just result in broken bones. Workers can suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and even death. What’s worse is that many of these falls are preventable. 

Proper safety measures, like using harnesses, guardrails, and secured scaffolding, could save lives. But when construction companies cut corners to save time or money, workers pay the price.

Struck-By Accidents

Construction sites are full of moving equipment, falling materials, and heavy objects. It only takes one misstep or one unsecured load for a worker to get struck by something deadly. Being hit by a vehicle, a swinging crane, or even a falling hammer can be fatal.

One of the most common causes of struck-by accidents is falling objects. Workers below may not see it coming, and even a small tool dropped from a height can be deadly. 

Wearing hard hats helps, but it’s not enough. Proper site organization, secure load handling, and clear safety protocols are necessary to prevent these accidents. Unfortunately, many workers find themselves in dangerous environments where safety isn’t a priority.

Electrocutions

Electricity is everywhere on a construction site, the sources of electricity include power lines, exposed wiring, and faulty equipment. It’s no surprise that electrocution is one of the leading causes of fatal construction accidents. According to the American Safety Council, nearly 10% of all fatal construction accidents are caused by electrocution.

Most electrocutions happen because workers accidentally come into contact with overhead power lines, exposed circuits, or defective electrical equipment. Even touching a metal ladder near a live wire can be deadly. 

The injuries from electrocution range from severe burns to cardiac arrest, brain damage, and even falls due to losing control of the body.

Machinery Accidents

Construction sites are full of heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and forklifts. These machines are powerful, and when something goes wrong, the results can be fatal. Workers can be crushed, trapped, or even run over by machinery that isn’t being operated safely.

Many of these accidents happen due to poor training or faulty equipment. When workers aren’t properly trained to use heavy machinery, mistakes happen. A simple miscalculation or moment of distraction can lead to disaster. 

Trench and Ground Collapses

Before a building goes up, workers have to dig trenches for foundations, underground utilities, and support structures. But working in trenches is extremely dangerous. If a trench collapses, workers can be buried alive under tons of dirt, unable to escape in time.

OSHA requires that trenches be properly reinforced with trench boxes to prevent collapses, but not every site follows these rules. In some cases, shifting soil, heavy rain, or unstable foundations can cause unexpected collapses. 

When safety isn’t prioritized, workers are left vulnerable, and once a trench starts caving in, there’s little chance of survival.