Construction company owners, contractors and project managers are responsible for the safety and health of their employees. Thousands of workers suffer injuries in construction accidents nationwide each year, including New Hampshire. The list of potential hazards these workers face is endless, but some are more common and cause preventable injuries.

Falls are likely the cause of most construction site injuries, with many of them causing catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Construction workers spend a lot of time on elevated levels such as scaffolds, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has strict safety regulations with which compliance is crucial. However, trips or slips that lead to same-level falls are equally dangerous, and proper housekeeping is essential.

Other frequently cited causes of construction workers’ injuries include electric shocks and electrocutions, and it is often non-electricians who make contact with damaged electrical cords or overhead power cables who suffer injuries. Falling tools or other objects have caused many casualties on construction sites, and workers being caught in or between objects could suffer severe injuries. Alertness on construction sites and continuous scanning of their workspaces for safety hazards could prevent many injuries.

Fortunately, the New Hampshire workers’ compensation insurance program is a no-fault system that provides benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused an injury. However, victims of construction accidents that were caused by a third party who is not linked to the same employer might have grounds to pursue additional financial relief. An attorney who deals with both workers’ compensation and personal injury cases can determine whether there is a viable civil claim and provide advocacy throughout the ensuing legal proceedings.