What Are Caught-In/Between Accidents in the Construction Industry?

 Posted on December 06, 2023 in Uncategorized

The construction industry has some of the highest rates of injuries and fatalities in the country. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has classified four different types of construction accidents as the Fatal Four – falls, struck by, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. While the first three types of accidents are fairly self-explanatory, many people are unsure what caught-in/between accidents are. According to OSHA, these are accidents that cause injuries when a worker is caught, compressed, crushed, pinched, or squeezed between two or more objects or becomes caught between parts of equipment, machine, or material. The following explains some of the causes of these accidents. For more detailed legal assistance if you have been injured, contact an Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer for help.

Types of Caught-In/Between Accidents

While caught-in and caught-between accidents are prevalent in the construction industry, they are also common in other types of industries, including agriculture and manufacturing. Some common examples of these types of hazards include:

• Collapsed structures – Building collapses or structural failures can lead to workers being caught under debris or within the structure itself.

• Equipment accidents – Workers using heavy equipment like forklifts, cranes, or bulldozers may get caught between the equipment and a wall, rack, or other objects.

• Machinery accidents – Workers can become trapped or caught in the moving parts of heavy machinery, such as conveyor belts, gears, or power presses.

• Materials handling accidents – Workers may be caught between heavy materials, such as building materials, rolls of paper, or stacked pallets while handling or transporting them.

• Trench collapses – In construction and excavation work, trenching and excavation accidents can result in workers getting buried or trapped by collapsing soil or materials. Proper shoring, sloping, and trench box usage are critical in preventing these incidents.

Common Causes of Caught-In/Between Accidents

Some of the most frequent reasons why caught-in and caught-between accidents occur include:

• Lack of training – One of the most common causes of these accidents is inadequate training in equipment operation and safety procedures, which can lead to accidents. Workers may not be aware of the risks or how to navigate potentially dangerous situations safely.

• Machine guarding issues – Failure to install, maintain, or use proper machine guards can expose workers to moving parts and machinery, increasing the likelihood of getting caught or crushed.

• Improper lockout/tagout procedures – Neglecting to follow lockout/tagout procedures during equipment maintenance or repair can result in unexpected equipment activation.

• Inadequate supervision – Lack of oversight and supervision in workplaces can lead to risky behaviors or improper use of machinery and equipment.

• Workspace congestion – Overcrowded work areas, clutter, and insufficient movement space can lead to workers getting caught between objects or machinery.

• Equipment malfunctions – Mechanical failures or malfunctions in machinery or equipment can suddenly trap or crush workers.

Contact a Naperville, IL Work Injury Lawyer for Legal Help

If you have suffered a work-related injury, make sure you have a dedicated DuPage County, IL workers’ comp attorney advocating for you and getting you the benefits you are entitled to. Call Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC at 815-730-1977 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.