Fires And Explosions On Construction Sites

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the top four causes of construction accident deaths.

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces anywhere, and construction consistently ranks as one of the top most dangerous occupations. In 2012 alone, there were 775 construction fatalities in the United States.

In fact, construction work is so dangerous, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the top four causes of construction accident deaths. These top four accidents are known as the construction “fatal four” and they include:

• Falls – 36 percent of all construction deaths
• Caught between objects – 2 percent of all construction deaths
• Electrocutions – 9 percent of all construction deaths
• Struck by object – 10 percent of all construction deaths

Together, these fatal four types of accidents cause 57 percent of all construction deaths. OSHA has also stated that eliminating these four types of accidents would save 435 lives every year.

Although electrocutions are less common than falls and being struck by an object, they are still a leading cause of death and injury on construction sites. And while not all electrocutions are caused by fires and explosions, a number of electrocution injuries and fatalities happen because of fire or an explosion.

Electricity is an important component on building sites — without it, construction workers can’t operate their tools and machinery. However, it can also cause serious accidents that cause catastrophic injuries.

Fires on Construction Sites

Every year, there are nearly 5,000 fires on construction sites around the country that cost an estimated $35 million in property damage. These fires also cost injury victims lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, fires on construction sites are caused by someone being careless, such as a worker leaving a burning cigarette behind, or someone failing to turn off an open flame.

However, fires on construction sites can also be caused by a wide range of other reasons, including electrical tools that short out, faulty wiring, and workers who attempt to take shortcuts rather than doing the job properly. In some cases, chemicals that shouldn’t be left around each other are allowed to sit in containers next to each other, which causes them to ignite.

Construction supervisors and workers can avoid fires on construction sites by practicing basic safety measures, including:

• Keeping construction sites smoke-free
• Using safety protocols any time an open flame is used
• Using the proper disposal methods for flammable waste, such as rags used to wipe up oil and other spills
• Storing flammable paints, solvents, and chemicals in the appropriate manner
• Inspecting machinery and tools
• Inspecting electrical cords and wiring
• Keeping fire extinguishers on site and having them regularly inspected by the proper authorities

Additionally, everyone working on a construction site should be trained in how to react to a fire, including the proper evacuation procedures.

Explosions on Construction Sites

Closely related to fires, explosions on construction sites can cause catastrophic injuries and damage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that about 24 construction workers are killed each year due to explosions on construction sites. Workers who are injured due to explosions are often left with life-altering injuries that include burns, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and serious injuries to the back, neck, and spine.

Explosions on construction sites can occur due to a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for explosions on construction sites include:

Explosions Caused by Chemicals – Chemicals can catch fire and ignite, especially when they are exposed to other chemicals. This is why it’s important for construction sites to use extreme caution when it comes to using and storing chemicals on site.

Pressurized Containers – Whether it’s a pipe, tank, or other type of container, contents under pressure can explode, propelling metal and other sharp debris through the air. This can cause devastating injuries to anyone nearby.

Demolitions Gone Wrong – Controlled demolitions use high-powered explosives to bring down buildings. When everything goes according to plan, buildings can be imploded without incident. However, even a single malfunctioning charge can cause a major accident that injures or kills construction workers.

Contact with Power Lines – Most construction sites use temporary power sources, and in many cases these lines are exposed. When equipment comes into contact with a power line, it can set off an explosion that causes serious and fatal injuries to construction workers.

Any type of work-related injury can be overwhelming. When a construction worker is injured, however, their entire livelihood is at stake. If they can’t recover and get back to work, they may never work in their industry again. For many construction workers, this is a scary reality. Construction workers who have been hurt due to a fire or explosion have important rights, including the right to receive workers’ compensation. Additionally, they may also be able to receive compensation from a third party whose negligence caused the injury. Construction Accidents in New York City Demand an Experienced Attorney.

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC – case results matter here.

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Sources:

1. https://www.cbsnews.com/media/nations-10-most-dangeous-jobs/2/
2. http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/fatal-four-safety-construction-industry-infographic