Construction Accidents Caused by Falling Materials

By Grant Law Office on February 1, 2022

Falling objects are one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities. “Struck-by” incidents rank among OSHA’s “Fatal Four” hazards in the construction industry. OSHA safety standards are designed to prevent injuries to workers from falling objects. Many falling materials accidents are caused by negligence.

What Are the Reasons a Worker May Be Struck by a Falling Object?

Many construction site accidents every year involve falling materials. Injuries can result from:

• Lack of proper worker training
• Improper use of tools or equipment
• Malfunctioning equipment
• Failure to properly secure tools or components
• Improper stacking of tools, equipment, supplies, or materials
• Inadequately securing loads on a boom, hoist, or crane
• Loads that are too heavy
• Failure to use safety devices designed to stop falling debris and objects
• Faulty parts or materials that break down or lead to structural collapse
• Lack of posted warning signs

What Types of Injuries Can Be Caused by a Falling Object at a Construction Site?

Falling objects can cause a range of serious injuries on a construction site, including:

• Fractured bones: Broken bones in the arms, ribs, and legs.
• Amputation: Severe damage to an arm or leg caused by falling materials can lead to loss of a limb.
• Internal organ damage: Heavy objects falling from heights and landing on workers can cause injury in the area of the torso and may damage the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, or intestines.
• Eye injuries: Falling debris that injures the eyes can cause temporary or permanent loss of vision.
• Spinal cord injury: Heavy items falling from elevations can cause back injuries to workers below. When the impact of a blow damages the spinal cord, it can cause a range of health issues, and in the worst cases, paralysis below the level of the injury.
• Traumatic brain injury: A blow to the head from a falling object can injure the brain. In severe cases, traumatic brain injury can have life-altering consequences for victims and their families.

What Precautions Should Be Taken to Minimize the Risk of Injury from Falling Objects?

Companies and workers can take certain safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury from falling objects. These include:

• Always wearing protective gear, such as helmets, goggles, and hard-toe boots
• Avoiding hazardous areas for falling materials
• Never walking or standing under heavy equipment, such as a front loader, hoist, or crane, particularly when it is carrying a load
• Using the proper equipment for the job at hand
• Never stacking materials or objects too high
• Inspecting equipment and tools before using them
• Never using improperly maintained or faulty equipment or tools
• Never exceeding the lifting capacity of a hoist, crane, or lift
• Securing tools and equipment properly when working overhead

Where Can You Get Compensation for a Construction Accident Caused by Falling Materials?

Workers hurt on the job in Georgia are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If a party other than your employer, such as a subcontractor, caused an accident involving falling materials, that party may be liable for resulting injuries. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can investigate the cause of your accident and help you get compensation to cover the cost of your injuries.

Why Do You Need an Experienced Georgia Personal Injury Attorney?

After a serious construction accident caused by falling materials, your best chance of recovering maximum compensation is to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. Our husband and wife team at Grant Law Office have more than 30 years of experience helping injured people. We can provide effective legal representation in a workers’ comp claim and in a civil claim against a third party. Call us today at (404) 995-3955 to find out how we can help.