The construction industry sees more workplace fatalities than any other sector. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 1,075 construction workers died in job site accidents in one recent year. Each of these deaths represents an unimaginable loss for the worker’s loved ones, many of whom struggle to pick up the pieces and move forward in the aftermath.
Construction accident deaths can arise from a variety of accidents, but what is the most common cause of death in construction work?
The Most Common Cause of Death in Construction Work
BLS data reveals that falls, slips, and trips are the leading cause of death among construction workers. These incidents accounted for 39.2 percent of all construction fatalities in a recent year, resulting in 421 deaths. Falls from heights, such as from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs, are particularly dangerous. Transportation incidents, including accidents involving construction vehicles and equipment, were the second most common cause, responsible for 22.3 percent of fatalities, or 240 deaths. These numbers highlight the serious risks construction workers face every day on job sites in Wisconsin and across the country.
Common Construction Site Accidents That Lead to Fatalities
Construction work involves many hazards that can lead to deadly accidents. While falls are the most frequent cause of death, many other types of construction site accidents can also cause fatal injuries. Some types of construction accidents that present serious, life-threatening risks include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and other elevated structures
- Struck-by incidents involving falling tools, materials, or equipment
- Electrocution from contact with exposed wires or power lines
- Caught-in or caught-between accidents, such as being crushed by collapsing structures or machinery
- Vehicle-related accidents, including being hit by trucks, cranes, or forklifts
- Structural collapses, such as building or trench collapses
- Fires and explosions caused by flammable materials or faulty wiring
- Drowning incidents at construction sites near water or involving flooded excavations
Causes of Job Site Accidents in Wisconsin
Construction workers in Wisconsin face many of the same hazards seen on work sites across the country, but certain conditions and practices can increase the risk of fatal accidents and severe injuries. The following factors can contribute to tragic, preventable fatalities on construction sites:
- Inadequate fall protection equipment on elevated work surfaces
- Failure to properly secure scaffolding, ladders, or heavy equipment
- Lack of safety training or supervision for workers
- Unsafe operation of machinery or vehicles
- Poor communication between workers and supervisors
- Exposure to live electrical wiring without proper precautions
- Improper excavation practices leading to trench collapses
- Neglecting to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
- Defective or poorly maintained tools and personal protective equipment
- Working in unsafe weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, high winds, or storms
Safety Measures to Prevent Construction-Related Fatalities
Proper planning and attention to safety regulations can make construction sites significantly safer. Construction employers and workers alike can take important steps to reduce the risk of fatal job site accidents. Following basic safety protocols and using proper equipment can save lives. Key occupational safety measures include:
- Providing and enforcing the use of protection systems to eliminate fall hazards
- Conducting regular safety training and refreshers for all workers
- Inspecting scaffolding, ladders, and machinery before use
- Using proper signage and barriers around hazardous areas
- Performing regular inspections on safety equipment
- Ensuring that machinery and vehicles are operated only by trained personnel
- Following OSHA safety standards for all job site activities
- Conducting routine site inspections to identify and correct hazards
Legal Options for Families of Construction Accident Victims
The surviving family members of a construction worker who died on the job may have legal options to seek financial compensation for their tragic loss. In Wisconsin, families can often file a workers’ compensation death benefit claim through the employer’s insurance. This can help cover funeral expenses and provide partial wage replacement.
In some cases, families may also have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit if a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, contributed to the fatal accident. Pursuing legal action can help families recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional loss resulting from their loved one’s death.
People Also Ask
Families facing the aftermath of a loved one’s death in a construction site accident often have many questions about what to do. Here are answers to some of the most common. Reach out to a Wisconsin wrongful death attorney to learn more.
What is the number one cause of construction worker deaths?
Falls are the number one cause of construction worker deaths. They account for nearly 40 percent of all fatal construction accidents. Falls from elevated surfaces like scaffolding, ladders, and roofs are especially common and often result from missing or inadequate fall protection.
How can construction site accidents be prevented?
Construction site accidents can be prevented by using proper fall protection, training workers on safety procedures, inspecting equipment regularly, following OSHA standards, and maintaining clear communication among crews. Routine safety checks and enforcing protective measures across all job activities are also critical for preventing accidents.
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident death in Wisconsin?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the only remedy against an employer after a construction accident death in Wisconsin. However, families may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against a third party if their action or inaction contributed to the accident.
What should I do if my family member dies in a construction accident?
After a fatal construction accident, it is important to notify the employer, document all available evidence, and consult with a Wisconsin attorney who handles wrongful death and workers’ compensation claims. Acting quickly can help protect your family’s right to pursue financial benefits or file a legal claim.
Contact Our Construction Accident Attorneys for Help
After a fatal construction site accident in Wisconsin, surviving family members need skilled legal support from an attorney who can fight for the justice and compensation they deserve. Since 2010, Schwaba Law Firm has worked hard to make our clients’ lives whole after devastating accidents. While no amount of money can ever make up for your loss, it can help restore financial stability and provide a much-needed sense of justice and accountability. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our work injury laywers.
