3 Most Dangerous Construction Site Equipment
Occupational injuries and fatalities are extremely common in the construction industry. Data shows that in 2019, construction-related fatalities accounted for 20% of occupational fatalities in the private industry. Heavy equipment related accidents account for a significant percentage of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry in New York.
From cranes to concrete mixers, excavators, bulldozers, graders, loaders, compactors, and dump trucks, a wide range of heavy equipment are used on construction sites. If any equipment malfunctions or if the operator makes a mistake, it can result in a serious accident – which can not only endanger the operator, but other workers and civilians as well.
In this post, we go over three of the most dangerous heavy equipment used on construction sites in New York.
Cranes
Cranes are indispensable for construction work, but they need to be used with extreme caution. Data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) shows that between 2011 and 2017, crane accidents resulted in 297 fatalities – 43% of which were in the construction industry.
The most common types of crane accidents include:
- A moving part of the crane might come into contact with a power line, resulting in an electrocution accident.
- If the crane is used to life an extremely heavy object, whose weight exceeds the crane’s lifting capacity, the crane can tip over or collapse.
- If the load is not properly secured, it can slip or come loose and fall on someone.
Excavators
Excavators are commonly used on construction sites for earthmoving, material handling, digging trenches, and a number of other purposes. These machines are not only heavy, but also have a wide, sweeping range and can cause serious accidents if not operated properly.
The most common types of excavator accidents that can happen on a construction site include:
- The operator might inadvertently strike someone while lowering or turning the digging bucket.
- If operated on a steep slope or uneven surface, the excavator can roll over and crush someone.
- If the operator is inattentive or distracted, they could strike or back up over someone while reversing the excavator.
- If the operator unknowingly digs the ground underneath the excavator’s tracks, it can lead to a cave-in.
- If the digging bucket is overloaded, the material could spill over and strike someone. It can also cause the excavator to become unstable and tip over.
Bulldozers
If a bulldozer is not maintained and operated properly, it can pose a threat to the operator, workers on the site, as well as anyone else who happens to be nearby. The most common types of bulldozer accidents that can happen on construction sites include:
- If the operator is inattentive or distracted, they might strike, run over, or crush someone who is in the path of the machine.
- If the bulldozer is operated on an uneven surface or at the edge of a steep slope, it might roll over.
Injured in a Construction Equipment Accident? Choose an Aggressive and Accomplished Construction Accident Lawyer to Fight for You
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we know that construction equipment accidents can lead to debilitating, life-altering injuries. We are fully committed to providing the highest level of legal services to construction accident victims and help them get the compensation they deserve.
As a construction worker, you are entitled to get workers’ compensation benefits, but they might only cover a fraction of your medical expenses. We can identify all the third-parties who can be held liable for your injuries, file a claim against them, and recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Led by award-winning civil litigator “The Bull” Michael S. Lamonsoff, our team has recovered more than 500 million dollars in settlements and jury awards over the years. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 212-962-1020 or get in touch with us online and schedule a free consultation with a top-rated construction accident lawyer.