One of the most significant hazards faced by construction workers on site is falls from height. Understanding the reasons behind these incidents, the injuries they can cause, and the appropriate actions to take if a fall occurs is essential for creating a safer work environment. Below we look at why falls from height are such a serious risk for construction site workers.
Common Causes of Falls on a Construction Site
There are a number of reasons why falls happen on a construction site. Most of these are preventable, which is why proper training and support should be given to workers.
1. Lack of Fall Protection Systems
One of the primary causes of falls on construction sites is the absence or improper use of fall protection systems. Systems such as guardrails, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), and safety nets, are crucial for preventing falls and injuries. By failing to install or maintain fall protection systems, construction workers are exposed to unnecessary fall risks.
2. Unsafe Working Conditions
Construction sites are often filled with numerous hazards, such as uneven surfaces, slippery areas caused by spills or poor weather conditions, and debris. Failure to maintain an organized and tidy work environment dramatically increases the risk of falls from height. Inadequate training can also contribute to unsafe working conditions, which increases the likelihood of accidents.
3. Unsecured Ladders or Scaffolding
Both ladders and scaffolding are commonly used on a construction site to work with heights. When these are not properly secured or maintained, they become a serious hazard. This can be caused by improper setup or inadequate inspection, both of which are vital health and safety rules on a construction site. If a ladder or scaffolding is improperly secured and fall protection systems aren’t in place, the risk of serious injury is heightened tenfold.
Injuries Caused by Falls from Height
Falling from any height can result in severe injuries, causing emotional suffering and physical pain for the worker and their family. Some of the most common injuries seen after falling from height include:
1. Head and Spinal Injuries
A serious fall can result in a traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, skull fracture, or brain hemorrhage. This can happen even if you are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). A hard hat can only do so much if you fall from 20 feet onto your head. Falls can also cause spinal cord injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Both head and spinal injuries can cause permanent disabilities or paralysis.
2. Fractures and Broken Bones
Falling from height has a huge impact on your body, which can cause numerous fractures and broken bones, depending on how you fall and what you fall onto. Wrists, hips, and limbs are particularly vulnerable when falling from a height. Fractures and broken bones may require rehabilitation, surgery, and extensive medical treatment. This can also cause a loss of income during recovery time.
3. Internal Injuries
The force exerted on your body during a fall can cause serious internal injuries, as well as external ones. This may include internal bleeding or organ damage, both of which require immediate medical attention. Furthermore, internal injuries are not always apparent but can have serious long-term consequences if not diagnosed and treated. With this in mind, it’s important to always seek medical advice if you fall from height.
What to Do if You Fall at Work
In the unfortunate event that a fall occurs from height on a construction site, you must know what to do and take immediate action. By doing so, you can minimize the risk of causing further harm. If you fall at work, follow these steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of how severe the fall is, you must seek immediate medical attention. Injuries are not always what they seem, and it may take several hours or days for the full extent of your injuries to show. A thorough examination by a doctor will ensure that all your injuries are identified and treated appropriately.
This also means you’ll have a medical report if you want to take action against your workplace. If an injury becomes apparent in the future, a doctor can also look back through your records and will be able to trace back the injury from the fall.
2. Report the Fall
Notify your manager, supervisor, and health and safety officer about the fall as soon as possible. If you are seriously injured, someone else in your team should do this for you until you can relay your version of events. Providing accurate details of the fall will help create a record and ensure that appropriate safety measures can be implemented to prevent falls in the future.
By law, a health and safety officer must complete a detailed record of the event. This can also be used in a court of law to support your case.
3. Document the Fall
Documenting the fall through a doctor and health and safety officer is paramount, as is documenting the fall yourself. Take photographs of the fall area, if possible. Take photographs of your injuries and the construction site in general, which can be used later to spot potential hazards and risks. You can also make notes or keep a diary of your injuries, both physically and mentally.
If there are witnesses to your fall, ask them to write a detailed witness statement of the incident, which can further support your case.
4. Speak to a Lawyer
No matter how serious your fall is, speaking to a lawyer will help you determine whether you have a personal injury case on your hands. Falls can have devastating effects on your mental and physical health. They can cost thousands in medical bills, and may cause significant time off work. You have the right to make a claim if the construction site was not safe and caused your fall.
Construction site injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, as construction sites pose numerous health and safety challenges. Despite this, no construction worker needs to get injured at work. With the correct equipment, training, and safety checks in place, falls are a preventable risk on a construction site.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a fall on a construction site, speak to one of our team at the law offices of Marc S. Albert.
Visit one of our offices located at:
- Astoria – 32-72 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103
- Brooklyn – 7113 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209
- Syosset – 175 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY 11791
Or call now for a free consultation on (347) 472-5080.