Construction Site Accident Claims

Major improvements have been made to safety standards on construction sites in recent years, but the industry remains one of the worst for deaths and serious injuries.

In 2012/13, 39 people were killed in construction site accidents and a further 1,913 suffered major injuries, while another 3,300 workers were hurt seriously enough to require a period of time off work.

The rates of musculoskeletal disorders, noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration disorders among construction workers are also well above average. In addition, the industry has the highest rate of occupational cancer, largely due to historical exposure to asbestos and silica.

While the nature of the work means construction staff face greater risks than those in most other sectors, almost all the accidents and illnesses could have been avoided had the correct safety procedures been followed.

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Construction (Design and Maintenance) Regulations 2007 clearly set out the safety responsibilities of employers, main contractors and subcontractors, while there are additional regulations for things like working with hazardous substances, lifting operations, use of work equipment and crane safety.

The legislation covers everything from small refurbishment or repair jobs to major housing developments and infrastructure projects, so safety measures must be implemented at all sites.

If you were injured in a construction site accident because the regulations were ignored and the right safety procedures were not in place, you will have a strong case to claim compensation.

Liddy’s Solicitors is one of the leading firms of personal injury solicitors in Yorkshire and has huge experience of handling workplace accidents, so can guide you through every stage of the process to help you secure the compensation you are entitled to.

Types of construction site accidents

The varied nature of the construction industry means workers are involved in many different types of accident.

Among the most common are falls from scaffolding, roofs and ladders due to faulty guards or safety harnesses, dangerous areas not being properly fenced off or equipment not being used correctly.

Other common accidents include being hit by vehicles or falling objects, tool malfunctions, limbs being crushed in machinery, electrocution and exposure to chemicals or asbestos fibres, along with manual handling injuries.

The severity of injuries suffered in construction site accidents varies greatly and, sadly, some incidents result in fatalities or life-changing medical conditions.

Workers can also suffer broken limbs, head injuries, amputations, back problems, burns, contusions, lacerations, strains and sprains in building industry accidents, but the consequences are not always apparent immediately.

Some site operatives develop chronic conditions as the result of multiple small accidents or bad working practices, while exposure to dangerous substances such as silica and asbestos can lead to terminal lung illnesses and cancers years later.

If you have suffered an injury or developed an illness as a result of a construction site accident that was not your fault, Liddy’s Solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation from your employer.

Can I claim compensation for injuries suffered in a construction site accident?

Despite great strides being taken to improve building site safety and educate employers and workers about the correct procedures, negligence remains the largest cause of accidents in the industry.

This can display itself in many forms, such as insufficient training being given to workers or a lack of proper risk assessments, leading to dangerous site layouts.

Failure to provide the proper personal protective equipment – including goggles, hard hats, gloves, ear defenders and safety boots – and right tools for the job is another common cause of accidents, as is not maintaining safety gear and site machinery properly.

Safety checks on hoists and scaffolding are another safety basic that is all too often overlooked, leaving workers to carry out their duties without the protection of the proper guardrails and fencing.

Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for their workers, as well as contractors and visitors, and should ensure that thorough risk assessments are carried out, safe working methods are devised for the site and that all standard safety procedures are followed.

If you were hurt in a construction site accident because your employer or the company in charge of the site did not fulfil their safety responsibilities, Liddy’s Solicitors could help you to claim compensation for the pain from your injuries, cost of immediate and ongoing medical expenses, loss of earnings and damage to your career.

How to make a construction site accident compensation claim

The first step towards making a successful compensation claim related to a construction site accident is to get in touch with one of the personal injury specialists at Liddy’s Solicitors.

Our experts have vast experience of handling such compensation claims and will guide you through every stage of the process, from the initial consultation through to negotiating a settlement.

We realise the law can appear complex and that making a personal injury claim is a daunting prospect for most people, so will do everything possible to make the process less stressful, including keeping you fully informed, communicating in clear language instead of jargon and providing the best legal advice.

To begin your construction site accident compensation claim, fill out the ‘How Can We Help You?’ form, call us at our Wakefield office on 01924 780753 or contact our Barnsley office on 01226 731314.