Construction is one of the most hazardous industries, with workers frequently exposed to risks like falls, heavy machinery, and repetitive motion injuries. Despite safety measures, accidents still happen, making workers’ compensation insurance essential for protecting employees and employers.

Understanding the most common workers' comp claims in construction can help businesses create a safer work environment and reduce the likelihood of injuries. Below are five of the most frequent claims—and proactive steps to help prevent them. 

Top 5 Workers' Comp Claims

1. Falls from Heights
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls from heights are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for roughly 38% of all construction fatalities. Construction tasks often require working on elevated surfaces, including ladders, scaffolds, and rooftops. This essential aspect of the job comes with significant risks, as falls can lead to severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or severe back injuries. The implications of these accidents can be devastating, resulting in long-term health issues and financial burdens for workers. 

Prevention Strategies:

• Fall Protection Gear: Provide workers with essential safety equipment, including safety harnesses, self-retracting lifelines, and shock-absorbing lanyards. 

• Regular Safety Inspections: Conduct routine assessments of PPE, ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work areas to ensure they are stable and safe for use. 

• Comprehensive Training: Implement thorough training programs focused on recognizing and controlling fall hazards, safe work practices, and proper protective equipment usage. 

Workers' Comp Coverage: Should an employee experience a fall-related injury, workers' compensation may provide crucial financial support for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages during their recovery period. 

2. Struck by Objects
In workplaces with moving tools and equipment, workers risk being hit by falling or rolling objects, which can lead to significant injuries. According to OSHA, "struck-by" is recognized as one of the leading causes of construction fatalities, with 15% of deaths attributed to being struck by objects. 

Prevention Strategies:

• Head Protection: Provide hard hats, safety helmets, or bump caps to help control head injuries. 

• Secure Equipment: Use tool lanyards to control dropped tools and properly store materials to prevent them from falling.  

• Clear Routes: Designate specific pathways for the equipment operation to enhance safety. 

​​​​​Workers’ Comp Coverage: Workers injured from being struck by an object may receive assistance with medical expenses, wage loss, and recovery support. 

3. Overexertion & Repetitive Motion Injuries
Construction work can be physically demanding, often involving heavy lifting, bending, and repetitive motions, which can lead to muscle strains, joint pain, and long-term injuries. Studies show that 23% of non-fatal construction injuries are directly related to overexertion. 

Prevention Strategies:

• Provide forklifts, wheelbarrows, and hand carts. 

• Encourage proper lifting techniques. 

• Implement task rotation to minimize repetitive stress on the body.

• Promote stretching and warm-up exercises before shifts.

Workers’ Comp Coverage: Employees experiencing work-related musculoskeletal injuries may receive compensation for medical care, therapy, and temporary or permanent disability.

4. Caught-In/Between Accidents 

Caught-in/between is considered one of OSHA’s "Fatal Four" hazards in construction, with around 5% of construction fatalities caused by such accidents. Construction sites are full of moving machinery, trenches, and tight spaces, increasing the risk of workers getting caught in or between equipment and structures. These incidents can be life-threatening. 

Prevention Strategies

• Employee Training: Help workers recognize and control caught-in/between hazards.

• Proper Procedures: Utilize machine guards when operating equipment and lockout/tagout procedures when servicing equipment. 

• Guidelines: Follow trench safety guidelines and never allow workers in unprotected trenches. 

Workers’ Comp Coverage: Severe injuries from these incidents may require long-term care, and workers’ comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.

5. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips and trips remain prevalent hazards on construction sites, even at ground level. In 2022, the construction industry alone accounted for almost half of all fatal slip, trip, and fall incidents. Contributing factors include wet surfaces, cluttered areas, and uneven ground. 

Prevention Strategies:

• Work Areas: Regularly clean and organize workspaces to eliminate potential hazards. 

• Footwear Policies: Mandate sturdy shoes with good tread to reduce the risk of falling. Consider offering reimbursement for new footwear annually to help ensure workers are wearing quality footwear. 

• Visibility: Install adequate lighting and place warning signs in areas prone to accidents. 

Workers’ Comp Coverage: Slip and fall injuries can lead to claims for medical treatment, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages. 

Conclusion 

Construction site risks are undeniable, but proper safety practices and training can mitigate many accidents. Workers' compensation insurance is essential, protecting employees and businesses by ensuring access to medical care for those injured on the job while minimizing financial exposure for employers.

By being proactive about safety, construction companies can reduce claims, limit downtime, and, most critically, keep their teams safe. Want to discover how to protect your workforce with comprehensive coverage? Get in touch with your independent agent today or visit us at www.acuity.com. 

Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm

https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/safety/oshafatal4.html#:~:text=Electrocution%20accounted%20for%20about%208,standards%20can%20prevent%20these%20accidents

https://www.cpwr.com/research/data-center/data-dashboards/musculoskeletal-disorders-in-construction/