The High Rate of Accidents on Construction Sites | The Costs of Construction Site Injuries
It’s long been documented that residential and commercial construction jobs are among the most dangerous in America, if not the world. Though tremendous strides have been made over the last half century, with an approximately 75% reduction in injury and illness among construction workers, one in ten is still hurt on the job every year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).OSHA also estimates that about half of all serious workplace injuries never get reported.
Compared to other industries, the rate of injury in the construction business is more than 70% higher, with the primary causes of injury involving:
- Falls from heights
- Falling objects
- Lifting or carrying heavy objects
- Electrical shock
- Slips, trips and falls over debris, construction materials and other items
The higher rates of injury in the construction business have a financial cost. One report found that about one of every seven dollars paid in workers’ compensation benefits is paid to an injured construction worker. Construction companies lose an estimated 103 million worker days every year due to injury. The average cost of an injury requiring medical care is approximately $32,000, and the costs of construction site injuries can account for up to 10% of the total costs on a project.
Contact Howard D. Popper, P.C.
For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after an injury on a residential or commercial construction site, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton. Currently, all our client communications are by phone, text message or videoconference.
We handle all construction site accident injury claims on a contingent-fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover damages for your losses.