Construction Accident Claims

What is a construction accident?

A construction accident refers to any incident or event that occurs on a construction site and results in injury or harm to workers, visitors, or members of the public.

These accidents can be caused by various factors, including equipment malfunctions, falls from heights, slips, trips, falls, electrocution, and other hazards. Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments, and even with strict safety protocols, accidents can still happen.

Common construction site injuries

Construction sites combine working at height, heavy plant, power tools and unpredictable ground conditions. The injuries we see most often fall into a handful of clear patterns.

Falls from height. Falls from scaffolding, roof edges, ladders and unprotected openings are the single biggest cause of fatal construction injuries in the UK. Survivors are often left with spinal cord damage, brain injury, multiple fractures or amputations. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to plan, supervise and equip every job above ground level, and a missing edge rail or defective harness clip is usually enough to establish liability.

Struck by falling objects. Tools, scaffold tubes, bricks and materials dropped from height cause head injuries, fractured shoulders and crush injuries to anyone working below. Sites without rigid debris netting, edge protection or properly enforced hard-hat zones produce these claims again and again.

Crush and vehicle injuries. Excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and forklifts share narrow lanes with workers on foot. Reversing vehicles operating without a trained banksman account for a high proportion of serious crush injuries. Lifting operations that fail to comply with LOLER cause loads to swing into workers or drop onto limbs, often resulting in amputations or spinal damage.

Hand-arm vibration and hearing loss. Daily use of breakers, grinders, pneumatic drills and chainsaws causes hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and vibration white finger. Constant exposure to powered tools and impact noise also causes long-term hearing loss and tinnitus. Both conditions are reportable under RIDDOR and both are preventable through job rotation, exposure monitoring and proper PPE.

Cement and chemical burns. Wet cement is alkaline enough to cause full-thickness burns through clothing, usually to knees, lower legs or hands. Resins, adhesives and solvents cause dermatitis and respiratory injury. Where suitable gloves, kneeling pads or respiratory protection are not provided, claims often succeed without there being any single accident.

Excavation and structural collapse. Unsupported trenches, partial demolitions and unstable temporary works can bury workers in seconds. Survivors typically suffer crush asphyxia, spinal injuries and multiple fractures. The Health and Safety Executive prosecutes these incidents aggressively, which usually strengthens the civil claim that follows.

Electrocution. Live cables struck during excavation, contact with overhead power lines, and improvised site lighting are the main causes. Even non-fatal shocks frequently cause deep tissue burns, cardiac complications and falls from height as a secondary injury.

Construction accident statistics

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), construction sites are among the UK’s most dangerous places to work. In 2022/23, 53,000 workers suffered a non-fatal injury from working in the construction industry.

Of these, 37,000 were musculoskeletal disorders, and 16,000 workers reported suffering from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. These statistics underscore the importance of health and safety regulations and the need for continuous improvement in safety practices on construction sites.

Causes of construction site accidents

Construction site accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Main causes of accidents

The main causes of construction site accidents include:

• Poor site management and supervision
• Lack of training and inadequate induction
• Inadequate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Poor communication and inadequate risk assessment
• Inadequate maintenance of equipment and machinery
• Inadequate safety procedures and protocols

These factors can contribute to a range of accidents. Construction companies and site managers must take steps to minimise these risks and ensure a safe working environment for all workers. Proper training, regular equipment maintenance, and strict adherence to safety protocols are crucial in preventing construction site accidents.

Construction accident claim case studies

£8,000 Settlement for construction site accident

Mr. C, a plant hire driver, was unloading a digger from his low-loader lorry when its mud-covered tires lost grip, causing it to slide off and overturn. Despite the foreseeable risk, his employers failed to provide sand or ensure wheel cleaning.

He fractured his ankle fracture requiring surgery but recovered within six weeks. Initially, his employers denied liability, but after legal action, their insurers admitted fault. The case was settled for £8,000 in damages plus legal costs.

This case highlights the importance of understanding how to claim compensation for injuries sustained due to employer negligence and the potential legal assistance available to navigate the process.

£50,000 Settlement for building site fall

Our client suffered multiple fractures to their left leg, requiring surgery, after a fall at a building site. Building site injury claims often arise from factors such as harsh weather conditions, poor equipment, and falling materials, highlighting the responsibilities of employers to ensure workplace safety.

Despite requesting the area be cleared, metal rails and equipment remained scattered, limiting workspace. Given only a step ladder instead of a proper platform, he struggled to fix boarding while balancing on uneven ground.

He lost his footing and fell. Thankfully, he recovered well but continued to experience mild knee and shin pain. He changed jobs to avoid ladder work and returned to full-time employment after a short absence. We secured a £50,000 settlement for his claim.

Apprentice’s thumb reattached after rotating blade accident

An 18-year-old apprentice joiner had his thumb reattached after it was amputated by a rotating table saw blade while cutting plasterboard on a construction site in the Highlands.

An HSE investigation found that 3B Construction had failed to assess risks, implement a safe system of work, or provide proper training.

The company was fined £40,000, and while the apprentice’s thumb was reattached, he has been left with permanent impairment.

• Find more accident at work client stories

Have you been injured in a construction accident?

Many construction workers worry that bringing a claim will cost them their job, their casual status or their right to remain in the UK. None of those concerns should stop you taking advice.

Worried about losing your job? Your employer is required by law to carry liability insurance for worker accidents, so the insurer (not the employer) deals with the claim and pays out. Employers rarely take action against the worker. If you are on full PAYE and your employer sacks you because you are off work injured, you would also have a separate claim for unfair dismissal.

Self-employed or working under CIS? Up to a million UK construction workers are registered as self-employed under the Construction Industry Scheme. Most are not truly self-employed in legal terms, and we can often show the relationship is one of employer and employee. Even where genuine self-employment applies, the contractor running the site still owes you safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and you can claim against any third party whose negligence caused you harm.

Concerned about immigration status? In London, nearly 40% of construction workers are migrants, and many of our clients have visas, settled status or insecure immigration positions. We can usually advise on the immigration angle, and most claims succeed regardless of status.

We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there is no cost to you unless we win.

To speak with one of our construction accident solicitors, contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811

★★★★★

“Almost 6 years ago, I had an accident at work. I was initially with another law firm that was hopeless. Luckily, I came across Osbornes Law. Ben, Eloise, Alex, and the entire team are wonderful people and professionals. I felt safe with them, cared for, and supported through what was a very long process. The result was excellent and I am extremely grateful.”