Brain Injuries on Construction Sites

Construction sites are full of hazards that can put workers, visitors, or even passersby at risk of serious injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the rate of fatal injuries on construction sites exceeds the national average. While many people may associate broken limbs or back injuries with construction, construction workers are also at an increased risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

A brain injury is considered traumatic if it inhibits the normal functioning of the brain, either temporarily or permanently. The most common type of TBI is a concussion. These injuries can be relatively mild and may heal within a few days. They can also be very severe and leave victims with lifelong impairments. Individuals who suffer a severe TBI may require long-term care and may not be able to return to work. In some cases, these injuries can be fatal.

TBI Hazards on Construction Sites

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the construction industry has the highest rate of work-related TBIs. Construction TBIs can happen in a number of ways, including scaffold collapses and trench collapses. Falls are a leading cause of TBI and can occur when surfaces are wet or uneven, or when objects are out of place, blocking walkways. Falling objects or heavy equipment can also cause head injuries, and electric shock can have traumatic effects on the brain.

Employers are responsible for identifying potential hazards and minimizing risk whenever possible. This includes properly labeling areas that present a risk for head injury and providing employees with personal protective equipment such as hardhats. Hardhats are a common feature on construction sites and offer the best form of protection against TBIs, but they may not be enough. Hardhats that are damaged or in poor condition will be not be effective enough to prevent injury, and injuries can occur in situations when workers do not think they need protective gear. Even with the right gear, a sufficient amount of force can still cause trauma.

Construction comes with inherent dangers, but many construction accidents and injuries are preventable. OSHA has strict safety regulations for construction sites to keep workers from unnecessary risk, which includes rules about wearing protective head gear. Employers must adhere to these rules and make sure employees are properly trained to avoid accidents. When they fail to do so, construction workers can suffer severe or fatal injuries.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Seek Justice for Victims of Traumatic Brain Injury

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI or any other type of injury on a construction site, call the legal team at Galfand Berger, LLP. We will thoroughly review the facts of your case to determine if negligence was a factor in your injury. We are dedicated to holding those responsible for your injury accountable and winning you the compensation you deserve. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania, we help construction accident victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced construction accident lawyer in Philadelphia.