The Consequences of Falls on Construction Sites

The New York construction boom provides many workers with much-needed jobs. However, safety issues on the job may pose significant threats to worker safety, especially when it comes to falls.

On average, falls on construction sites account for almost half of all fatalities in the industry. With so much at stake in this type of incident, the professionals at Kelner & Kelner, New York Attorneys, strive to give you some of the basic facts about this type of accident and the injuries that may result. In some instances, it may mean the difference between life or death.

Height matters

Falls can occur anywhere. Walking on a sidewalk may result in a trip and fall. A hazard on the way up the steps to a building may have you seeing stars from the bottom. However, falls on construction sites differ in one significant way: Height. A considerable number of falls reported tend to occur from high off the ground. Whether this is from a ladder, scaffolding or roof, those working above six feet from the ground are at a higher risk of suffering a catastrophic injury.

Catastrophic consequences

If a worker has access to proper safety equipment, a fall may either never occur or result in less significant injuries. Without adequate safety implementations, however, a fall may result in an injury deemed catastrophic. The damage inflicted in these injuries is so severe, a worker may either deal with long-term debilitating effects for life or die as a result. Some common catastrophic injuries resulting from a fall include:

• Multiple fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Traumatic brain injury
• Limb loss

The cost to families of workers who suffer these injuries is high.

We invite you to visit our website for further information on construction site accidents and injuries.