Working in construction is essential to building infrastructure, homes, and many of the facilities we use every day. Yet this kind of work comes with high risks of serious injury or death. Understanding what makes construction so dangerous helps in taking steps to stay safer and know what legal recourse may be available if an accident occurs.
Why Construction Has High Risk
- Heavy equipment and machinery are used constantly. Cranes, forklifts, scaffolding, and power tools each carry danger when malfunctioning or used improperly.
- Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of serious injury. Roofs, ladders, scaffolding, and unguarded edges all pose risks.
- Exposure to hazardous materials and conditions. Workers may come into contact with toxic substances, unstable surfaces, sharp objects, or electrical hazards.
- Demanding physical labor. Repeated lifting, overexertion, and working in awkward or strenuous positions increase risk over time.
Common Types of Injuries
- Broken bones including fractures in arms, legs, or pelvis when falls occur or tools are mishandled
- Head injuries, especially where protective gear is not used
- Spinal injuries from falls or being struck by objects
- Amputations or severe lacerations where safety protocols failed
- Occupational illnesses from inhaling dust, chemicals, or repeated stress injuries
What Workers Should Do to Reduce Risk
- Ensure proper safety training and use of protective equipment like helmets, safety harnesses, reflective gear, and boots
- Keep work sites clean and organized—loose materials and obstacles contribute to falls and trips
- Follow regulations and safety codes related to scaffolding, ladder use, equipment maintenance, and guardrails
- Report unsafe conditions immediately rather than waiting for injury
What Legal Rights Workers Have
- Right to a safe workplace under safety regulations enforced by government agencies
- In many cases entitlement to workers’ compensation for injuries on the job regardless of fault
- Possibility of additional liability claims if a third party contributed to the unsafe condition or if there was negligence beyond what the employer is protected from
How Hillstone Law Can Help
If you or someone you care about was injured in a construction accident we can help you evaluate whether there was negligence gather evidence including safety inspections or maintenance records negotiate with insurers or employers and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
