The Most Common Ways Falls Occur on Construction Sites

By Eugene Bruno on January 5, 2024

Construction sites can be chaotic places where hardworking individuals bravely contribute to building the structures that shape our cities. Construction workers often meet the challenges of construction work on a daily basis, tackling dangerous conditions to create the spaces we live and work in.

Construction site owners and contractors bear legal responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Failure to uphold safety standards can lead to serious consequences. Today, falls on construction sites remain a significant concern, impacting workers in various ways.

Common Causes of Construction Site Falls

Understanding the root causes of construction site falls is crucial for implementing effective preventative measures. The most common causes include the following:

• Unsecured or improperly installed scaffolding: Scaffolding, when not properly secured, poses a significant risk to workers at elevated heights. If the scaffolding is not securely anchored, it may collapse, leading to severe falls.
• Ladder-related accidents: Incorrect use of ladders or placing them on unstable surfaces can lead to serious falls. When a ladder is placed on an uneven or unstable surface, it causes it to tip and the worker to fall.
• Slippery or cluttered work surfaces: Wet floors or debris on walkways create hazardous conditions for construction workers. If a worker steps on a wet surface without proper traction or encounters debris on a walkway, they are more likely to slip and fall.
• Lack of fall protection equipment: The absence or improper use of fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and guardrails, increases the likelihood of falls. In a situation where a worker is not wearing a harness while working at heights, the risk of a fall is significantly higher.
• Unsafe work practices: Rushing through tasks or ignoring safety protocols undermines the overall safety of the construction site. By rushing, workers cannot take certain risks into account and will fail to mitigate the dangers associated with construction activities.

Preventing Construction Site Falls

Implementing preventive measures is key to reducing the occurrence of falls on construction sites. Consider the following tips:

• Properly installing and securing scaffolding: Ensure that scaffolding is securely installed and regularly inspected for stability. For example, before each work shift, a designated safety officer should perform a comprehensive inspection, checking the anchoring, bracing, and overall stability of the scaffolding.
• Providing and using appropriate fall protection equipment: Equip workers with the necessary safety gear, including harnesses and guardrails. When workers at elevated heights are provided with custom-fit harnesses, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, and guardrails are installed to prevent accidental falls, these risks can be mitigated.
• Keeping work surfaces clean and clear: Regularly clean and declutter work areas to minimize slipping hazards. An instance of implementation would be implementing a daily cleaning routine, promptly removing debris, and swiftly addressing spills to maintain a safe and organized workspace.
• Conducting regular safety inspections: Regularly inspect the construction site for potential hazards, addressing them promptly. If an inspection reveals a damaged handrail on a walkway, immediate repairs or replacements should be conducted to eliminate the risk of falls.
• Provide workers with proper training: Educate workers on safe practices and the correct use of equipment to enhance overall safety. This can be accomplished by conducting regular safety training sessions where workers are instructed on the proper techniques for using equipment like ladders and scaffolding, reinforcing a culture of safety.

Legal Considerations and the Role of a San Diego Injury Attorney

If you were injured by a construction site fall, it’s in your best interest to consult a knowledgeable San Diego construction site accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your personal injury lawyer can assess if you have a case and take the proper measures to calculate the extent of your damages, such as medical bills, missed time from work, and pain and suffering. This process will involve investigating your accident, reviewing your expenses, and establishing who is liable for your injuries. Importantly, your attorney can determine if you are eligible to seek compensation through a personal injury claim even if you have already pursued a workers’ compensation claim.

Were You Injured at a San Diego Construction Site?

If you’re a construction site worker who suffered injuries caused by a serious on-the-job fall, don’t hesitate to contact Eugene Bruno & Associates. We are here to guide you through the process of securing the compensation you need to recover.

Our San Diego personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and fighting for the justice you deserve. With a 99.7% success rate and more than 40 years of combined experience, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best representation.

Call us at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation.