The Risk Of Caught-In-Between Accidents On Construction Sites

Unsafe working conditions can result in many types of incidents, including caught-in-between accidents.

These accidents happen when workers get trapped or stuck between objects or machinery, which highlights the need for maintaining safe workplaces.

How unsafe working conditions contribute

Approximately 65.5% of construction-related deaths happen because of Focus Four incidents, and one of those incidents is getting caught in between things. Unsafe work conditions make these accidents more likely in these ways:

• Neglecting trench and excavation safety: When there are not enough support or safety measures, trenches can cave in, trapping workers under dirt and debris
• Ignoring machinery and equipment rules: If people don’t follow safety rules, such as using barriers or turning off machines properly, workers can get caught between moving equipment
• Using inadequate structures: Unstable scaffolding or poorly built support beams can make buildings collapse, trapping workers under heavy materials

To prevent these accidents, it is important to have good training, follow safety rules and communicate with co-workers.

Common types of injuries

Accidents like getting caught between things can cause serious injuries or even death. Crush injuries can lead to broken bones, internal injuries or losing a body part. If suffocation occurs, any delay in providing help can lead to severe brain damage. If a worker gets wedged between objects, it involves a painful process to get freed, which may leave a worker with life-altering injuries.

Even the safest worker has to rely on the employer to provide a safe working environment. When employers and employees work together, all construction sites can be a safe place for everyone.