Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in Florida. Workers face serious risks every single day they show up to a job site.
The numbers tell a sobering story: in 2023, there were 5,283 workplace fatalities recorded nationwide, and construction workers accounted for more than one out of every five of those deaths at 21.1 percent.
Construction had the highest number of fatalities (1,075) among all industry sectors in 2023, surpassing the sector’s average. Falls, slips, and trips accounted for 39.2 percent (421) of all construction fatalities, with transportation incidents accounting for another 22.3 percent (240) of fatalities.
Overall, injuries and illnesses reported by OSHA show that over 1.3 million total work injuries were reported across the country in 2024. In Florida in 2023, there were 306 fatal work injuries as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Construction jobs accounted for 92 of those deaths.
These aren’t just statistics. They represent real people who went to work and never came home. Behind each number is a family dealing with loss or a worker facing a long recovery from serious injuries. Simply put, construction work in Florida, as it is across the country, is dangerous work.
OSHA’s Fatal Four: The Deadliest Construction Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified four types of accidents that cause more than half of all construction worker deaths. They call these the “Fatal Four.” Understanding these hazards can help workers stay alert, but even with precautions, accidents still happen.
Falls are the leading killer in construction. Workers operate at dangerous heights every day, whether they’re on scaffolding, roofs, ladders, or cranes. A single misstep or equipment failure can result in a catastrophic fall.
Struck-by accidents happen when workers are hit by falling objects, swinging equipment, or moving vehicles. Hard hats provide some protection, but they can’t prevent all injuries from heavy falling debris or equipment.
Electrocution occurs when workers come into contact with live electrical wires or faulty equipment. These accidents can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, or death in seconds.
Caught-in or caught-between situations trap workers between heavy machinery, collapsing structures, or equipment. These accidents often result in crushing injuries that can be fatal or permanently disabling.
While the Fatal Four represent the most deadly hazards, construction workers face many other serious injury risks that may not kill them but can end careers and change lives forever.
The Most Common Construction Injuries
Construction sites are full of hazards that can cause a wide range of injuries. Some happen in an instant. Others develop slowly over months or years of exposure to dangerous conditions:
Back injuries plague construction workers who do heavy lifting day after day. Repetitive motions, awkward positions, and sudden falls all take their toll on the spine. These injuries can leave workers in chronic pain and unable to continue working in their trade.
Head injuries from falling debris or falls can cause concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. Even with hard hats, the force of falling objects or impact from a fall can cause serious damage.
Eye injuries happen when dust, debris, or chemicals get into workers’ eyes. Without proper eye protection, even small particles can cause permanent vision damage or blindness.
Knee injuries result from heavy lifting, repetitive kneeling, awkward positions, or falls. Damaged knees can make it nearly impossible to continue physical construction work.
Crushing injuries occur when structures collapse, trenches cave in, or equipment fails. These devastating injuries often require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, if workers survive at all.
Burn injuries come from chemical exposure, contact with hot materials, or unexpected explosions on job sites. Severe burns require painful treatment and can leave permanent scarring.
Heat-related injuries including heat exhaustion and heatstroke affect workers laboring in extreme temperatures for long hours. Florida’s intense heat makes this an especially serious concern for construction workers in our state.
Respiratory diseases develop from breathing in asbestos, silica dust, chemical fumes, and other hazardous particles. These conditions may not show up immediately, but can cause serious lung damage over time, including conditions like black lung and chronic pneumonia.
Hearing loss results from prolonged exposure to loud machinery, equipment, and sudden explosions. Once hearing is damaged, it typically can’t be restored.
Muscle strains and tears happen from heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and overexertion. These injuries may seem minor at first, but can become chronic problems that prevent workers from doing their jobs.
What Causes These Construction Injuries?
Understanding why these injuries happen helps explain why construction workers need strong legal protection when accidents occur. Many injuries result from factors beyond a worker’s control.
Falls from heights remain the top cause of construction deaths and serious injuries. Workers climb ladders, work on scaffolding, operate aerial lifts, and walk on roofs as part of their regular duties. Equipment failures, unstable surfaces, lack of proper fall protection, and weather conditions all contribute to falls.
Falling objects and debris constantly threaten workers below. Tools get dropped from heights. Materials aren’t properly secured. Demolition creates falling debris. Even with safety protocols, accidents happen when multiple crews work at different levels on a job site.
Heavy equipment accidents involve forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, and other powerful machinery. These machines can malfunction due to poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or operator error. When heavy equipment fails or is used improperly, workers nearby can be crushed, struck, or run over.
Being caught between objects often happens when workers are pinned between vehicles and walls, trapped in collapsing trenches, or caught in heavy machinery. These accidents happen quickly and often result in severe crushing injuries or death.
Structural collapses can trap or kill multiple workers at once. Buildings under construction, trenches, scaffolding, and other structures can collapse due to design flaws, improper construction methods, or overloading.
Toxic exposure affects workers who handle or work near dangerous chemicals, asbestos, silica dust, and other hazardous materials. Employers are required to provide proper protective equipment and ventilation, but not all do. The resulting respiratory diseases and other health problems may not appear for years after exposure.
Your Rights After a Construction Injury Here in Florida
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you have rights under Florida workers’ compensation law. These benefits exist to help you recover and support your family while you’re unable to work.
Workers’ compensation should cover your medical treatment, replace a portion of your lost wages, and provide additional benefits if you have permanent injuries. You don’t have to prove that anyone was at fault for your accident. If you were hurt while doing your job, you should receive benefits.
However, insurance companies often try to deny claims or minimize payments to injured construction workers. They might claim your injury wasn’t work-related, that you weren’t as badly hurt as you say, or that you’re able to return to work when you’re not ready.
This is why injured construction workers need experienced legal representation. A workers’ compensation attorney who understands construction injuries can gather the evidence needed to prove your claim, fight denied benefits, and make sure you receive everything you’re entitled to under the law.
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you after a serious construction injury. Get the legal help you need to protect your rights and your future.
Speak with a Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Construction Injuries
The bottom line: if you’re injured on the job, act quickly. Report your injury, put it in writing, and don’t assume it will “work itself out.” And if your employer doesn’t follow through with their responsibilities, you don’t have to go through it alone.
The workers’ compensation process is complex, frustrating, and deliberately designed to make it difficult for injured workers to get full benefits. Insurance companies count on workers not understanding the system, making mistakes, giving up after initial denials, and accepting inadequate settlements.
Don’t let this happen to you. If you’ve been injured at work, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney immediately. We’ll guide you through every stage of the process, help you avoid the pitfalls that derail claims, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Adam Baron Law, we’ve helped countless Florida workers navigate the claims process and protect their rights. A quick consultation can make the difference between a smooth claim and one that gets denied. If you’re dealing with a workplace injury, or just have questions, reach out today for a free case review.
The Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. have represented hurt workers and accident victims for over 30 years. We understand how frustrating and challenging this time can be and we know how to help you through it. Our Florida work injury attorneys are aggressive when it comes to obtaining compensation and justice on behalf of our clients. We help injured workers all across Florida, including Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, Coral Springs, Delray Beach and many others areas.
If you were injured or became sick while working, we can help. Call Adam Baron at 954-247-HURT now for a Free, No-Obligation Case Review.