Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, and those littered throughout Philadelphia are no exception. Every year, countless workers suffer injuries and, sometimes, even fatalities while performing their duties.
For those affected, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming, often requiring mindful guidance from a knowledgeable construction accidents lawyer in Philadelphia. As such, understanding the prevalence and nature of construction-related injuries is crucial for implementing effective safety measures and ensuring the well-being of workers.
What are the statistics for construction injuries in Philadelphia?
While specific data for Philadelphia is limited, insights can be drawn from broader statistics. Nationally, the construction industry accounts for approximately 20% of all fatal workplace injuries, despite representing only 7% of the workforce, as noted by The Center for Construction Research & Training.
On the other hand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the private construction sector in Pennsylvania reported 28 fatal workplace injuries in 2022, with the majority occurring among specialty trade contractors.
While not nearly as comprehensive as we’d like, these figures still underscore the significant risks that construction workers in urban areas like Philadelphia face on a daily basis.
What is the most common type of injury in construction?
Construction workers are susceptible to a range of serious injuries, with certain types of work injuries being more prevalent:
- Falls: The leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, falls account for 39.2% of all deaths in construction. These work injuries often result from inadequate fall protection or unsafe scaffolding.
- Struck by Objects: The second most common cause of fatal injuries on the job, comprising 8.2% of construction deaths. This includes being hit by falling tools and/or materials.
- Electrocutions: Account for 7.3% of fatalities, electrocutions occur due to contact with live wires or faulty equipment.Â
- Caught-in/between Incidents: These work injuries involve workers being trapped between equipment and/or materials and are less common but often very severe and extremely disabling. These types of injuries would also be considered “crush” injuries, which are when someone suffers a serious crush to a limb or their entire body due to a falling object or a malfunctioning piece of equipment.
Less common construction injuries on the job include chemical burns, respiratory issues from inhaling hazardous substances, & hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noises. While all of these injuries occur less frequently, they continue to pose a significant health risk to construction workers.
What’s the average time off work for injured workers?
The duration of time off work following a construction injury varies based on the injury’s type and severity. Nationally, construction workers who sustained injuries requiring missed days away from work had a median of 10 days off in 2020. However, more serious and severe injuries, such as fractures or amputations, can result in extended absences, sometimes spanning several months or longer.
Implications for Workers and Employers
The high incidence of injuries in the construction sector has profound implications:
- For Workers: Beyond physical pain and mental anguish, injuries can lead to financial strain due to lost wages. Extended time off work can also impact career progression and job security.
- For Employers: Workplace injuries can result in increased insurance premiums, potential legal liabilities, and reduced productivity. Employers are wisely beginning to Invest in comprehensive safety training and strict adherence to implemented safety protocols is essential to mitigate these serious injury risks.
In summary, construction remains one of the most dangerous industries not just in Philadelphia, but nationwide.
Falls, being struck by objects, and electrocutions are among the most common construction injuries, which lead to significant time away from work and sadly, substantial personal and economic losses.
Enhancing safety measures in the workplace, providing thorough training, and fostering a culture of safety are critical steps toward reducing these incidents and protecting the workforce.
Who’s the leading construction accidents lawyer near me in Philadelphia?
At Liberty Bell, you’ll find some of the finest construction accident attorneys in Philadelphia and beyond. Our specialists have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured construction workers, ensuring they get the justice they deserve.
From One Liberty Place to the farthest construction site, we’re committed to seeking maximum compensation for our clients. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation and let us handle the heavy lifting!
