From falling objects to slick work surfaces, numerous safety hazards can be found on a construction site. However, some of these threats are more commonly seen and reported than others. The D.C. construction accident lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO Injury Lawyers are highlighting some of the most common causes of construction worker injuries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that last year, there were a total of 81 fatal construction accidents in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. A majority of these incidents fell into one of three categories, including:

• Slip and fall accidents – The slip and fall injury lawyers at CHASENBOSCOLO explain a slip, trip or fall can occur as the result of walking on slippery surfaces, unsecured scaffolding or simply tripping over a power cord.
• Contact with objects or equipment – These accidents involve a worker being struck by materials on a job site or suffering an injury after making unintentional contact with a tool or piece of machinery.
• Transportation accidents – This involves any situation where a worker was killed while traveling in a vehicle as part of their job duties.

We hope raising awareness about these risks will help prevent accidents from occurring in the future. If you’ve been injured at no fault of your own while working on a construction site, it’s important to be aware that you may have legal rights to compensation for your injuries. Speaking with a legal representative can help answer any questions you may have about these rights. You can learn more about how a lawyer may be able to assist you by visiting our website.

Excavation is an essential part of construction, but it can also be extremely dangerous. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 271 workers died between 2000-2006 from trench collapses and cave-ins.

The Maryland construction accident lawyers at ChasenBoscolo Injury Lawyers explain that recently a Columbia, Maryland, construction worker was injured on the job as the result of a trench collapse. The incident occurred at around 7:45 p.m. on Oct. 10.

NBC 4 Washington News reports the worker was digging a trench for a waterline at a construction site located on Barchink Place when the walls of the hole suddenly collapsed. The worker was trapped beneath dirt piled up to his chest and emergency crews were called to the scene to free the victim. The worker was then taken to a local hospital for treatment.

At CHASENBOSCOLO Injury Lawyers, we want to help construction workers stay safe on the job. That’s why we suggest these tips for working near trenches or ditches:

• Plan Ahead– Before digging, have local utility companies come out to measure and mark where service lines are located.
• Use Protective Systems– When digging trenches; make sure the walls of the hole are properly supported.
• Remove Dangerous Surroundings– Make sure all ladders, scaffolding and other equipment are away from the edge of a trench.
• Be Aware– Do not enter an unprotected ditch. Furthermore, exit any trench that shows signs of a collapse, such as accumulating water.

Our Maryland personal injury lawyers hope these tips help to keep you and your loved ones safe on a construction site.