What are the most common construction worker accidents?

According to the Labour Force Survey, there were 59,000 cases of non-fatal work injury in the construction industry between 2021 and 2022. This is around twice as high as the overall average across all industries. It  puts construction workers second only to the agriculture sector as most likely to have a workplace accident.

Work accidents can happen anywhere. causing serious injuries such as spinal, brain and head injuries, broken bones or even fatal injuries. If you have been injured on a construction site, you may be able to make a work accident compensation claim.

Construction worker injury statistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a government body dedicated to protecting workers and members of the public from harm.

The HSE collects statistics about different types of work accidents and injuries, including those from RIDDOR (the government work accident reporting scheme). Most serious work accidents must be reported to RIDDOR, whose figures show that:

• Falls from a height are the second most common cause of non-fatal injuries for construction workers, causing 19% of construction worker injuries compared to 8% of injuries among all industries combined. They are the most common cause of fatal construction work accidents, leading to 51% of construction deaths.
• Slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of non-fatal construction worker injuries. However, only 26% of construction work accidents were slips and falls compared to 31% of all work accidents recorded via RIDDOR.
• Being struck by a moving object or vehicle, or by a falling object, led to 12% of non-fatal construction work injuries, and 19% of fatal injuries.

Other injuries include those from handling or lifting, occupational diseases and cancers such as those caused by asbestos and illnesses such as silicosis, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Construction work injury compensation claim

Claire Sagala is a specialist personal injury lawyer from Novum Law’s Swindon team. She has years of experience helping injured workers access compensation after accidents at work, and says:

“There’s no denying construction work can be dangerous, but workers  shouldn’t have to worry about getting hurt as the result of their employer’s negligence or carelessness.

“Sadly, construction work accidents are far too common. The HSE estimates that around 2.2 million working days in construction are lost each year due to work injuries and illnesses.

“At Novum Law we see too many cases where substandard health and safety has led to career-ending, life-threatening injuries that were not the injured worker’s fault.

“If you have a construction work accident, it is important to speak to an expert personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to support you throughout the claims process and beyond so you can secure justice and compensation to cover the costs of care, treatment and lost earnings.

“But the key message is don’t leave it too late – there is a 3-year time limit for making a work accident claim.”

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident at work, you may be able to claim compensation. Novum Law’s team of specialist work accident solicitors have the expertise to help you on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

To arrange a free, no-obligation chat with a legal expert, call us on 0800 884 0777, email info@novumlaw.com or make an enquiry through our online form.