Building and construction sites by nature can be very dangerous places, with building sites remaining one of the most high risk areas for injuries and fatalities in the workplace. According to HSE, building sites account for 22% of all fatalities within the work place, with construction being the biggest sector for fatalities and major injuries at work.
Common Causes of accidents on building sites:
- Struck by falling tools or materials
- Falls from heights such as scaffolding or ladders
- Ladder accidents
- Slip, Trips and Falls
- Crushing injuries caused by machinery
- Injuries sustained through lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Employees not being properly trained on how to use equipment, or properly trained in the correct procedure for work on a building site
It may be difficult to assess who is eligible to claim for compensation initially, as there will be numerous work men who work for different employees and contractors all on one site. Obviously, being an employee, rather than self-employed or a contractor, means that you may claim against your employer for compensation.
An employer has a duty to ensure that the building site is kept safe, and to protect employees from accidents occurring. If you have suffered from an accident on a building site, it may be that your employer has been negligent in supplying you a safe place to work.
Common injuries caused by building site accidents:
- Crushing injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and bruising
- Concussion and head injuries
Building sites may also be the cause of more long term injuries, as employees may be exposed to harmful substances such as asbestos on a regular basis, or may be expected to repetitively carry heavy loads, which in turn may lead to more long term painful conditions.
If you have been injured on a building site whilst at work, it would be helpful to seek medical attention in order to support your claim. It would be helpful to visit your regular GP, even if you think the injury is not serious, as it will help to diagnose the injury and whether it is of a long term nature.
It would also be helpful to take photographs, were possible, of the hazard which caused the accident and of the injuries you sustained.
Call our claims helpline now on 0800 634 75 75 for free advice. We are personal injury specialists and are highly experienced dealing with these types of claims.