Preventing Crush Injuries on Construction Sites

Posted on March 19, 2025 writen by Jane Paulson in Construction Accidents

Heavy machinery, collapsing structures, and falling materials make crush injuries a serious risk for construction workers. Your construction accident lawyer with Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC may be able to help you pursue compensation when these devastating injuries occur due to unsafe job conditions. By implementing proper safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and site awareness, construction employers can reduce the risk of life-threatening crush injuries.

Top Causes of Crush Injuries on Construction Sites

Crush injuries on construction sites occur when workers become trapped between heavy machinery, pinned under collapsing structures, or struck by falling materials. These accidents can cause severe trauma, including broken bones, internal organ damage, and amputations. Preventing these injuries requires strict adherence to safety protocols and proper training for all workers.

OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926.21 mandates that employers implement safety programs to educate workers on recognizing and preventing crush hazards. This regulation requires training on handling heavy equipment, securing loads, and using protective systems in high-risk areas. Failure to comply with these standards can result in serious injuries and liability for construction site managers and employers.

Safety Measures That Reduce the Risk of Crush Injuries

Proper safety procedures help prevent life-threatening crush injuries on construction sites. Employers must enforce strict protocols for training, equipment use, and hazard identification to protect workers from being trapped or struck by heavy materials. Below are key safety measures that can reduce the risk of crush accidents and other work injuries:

• Equipment safeguards – Machinery must have guards to prevent workers from being caught in moving parts. These safeguards are essential in preventing clothing, hands, or limbs from becoming entangled in gears or rollers.
• Proper load securing – Materials should be stacked and transported safely to avoid collapses. Unstable loads can shift unexpectedly, leading to falling objects that may trap workers underneath.
• Trench safety – Workers in trenches must have protective systems to prevent cave-ins. OSHA requires trench boxes and shoring to keep walls from collapsing and burying employees.
• Heavy equipment training – Only trained operators should handle large machinery to avoid accidents. Improper operation of forklifts, bulldozers, and cranes increases the risk of workers being pinned or struck.
• Clear work zones – Construction sites should have designated walkways to keep workers away from hazardous areas. Marked pathways help prevent accidental exposure to falling or shifting materials.

Legal Recourse for Workers Injured in Crush Accidents

If you suffered a crush injury on a construction site, you may have legal options to seek compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if negligence played a role in your injury, you may also have grounds for a third-party claim against manufacturers of defective equipment, subcontractors, or property owners.

In cases where an employer failed to follow OSHA regulations or provide necessary safety equipment, they could be held accountable for their negligence. Third-party liability claims can provide additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation, including damages for pain and suffering. 

Turn to a Work Injury Attorney with Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for Help Today

Crush injuries on construction sites can cause catastrophic damage, leaving workers with permanent impairments or life-threatening conditions. Employers must follow strict safety regulations to prevent these incidents, but negligence often plays a role in these devastating accidents. Your work accident lawyer with Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC can help you hold responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation that is rightfully yours. When you are ready to get started, fill out our convenient contact form or call us to request your free, no-obligation consultation today.