A construction worker in Kansas died in late July after suffering serious injuries in a workplace accident. The 40-year-old man’s injuries reportedly occurred when his co-workers attempted to use a forklift to lift him up in a wooden box, which slipped off, causing the man to fall.

The worker, who was in the country on a work permit from Honduras, landed on his head and was taken immediately to a local medical center. He later died from his injuries.

Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of construction site accidents, as workers are often asked to climb up scaffolding and perform their duties from elevated locations. Although Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) officials are still investigating this particular accident, it’s possible that the act of lifting the worker up on a forklift may not have met federal or state workplace safety standards.

The following are some of the other common accidents that occur on construction sites:

• Slips and falls: These accidents often occur due to slippery surfaces, uneven walkways or objects left in areas where employees commonly walk.
• Overexertion: Workers might be expected to push themselves too far physically, resulting in strained muscles and exhaustion.
• Repetitive motion: Performing the same movements over and over again may, over time, result in serious injuries. These injuries are sometimes difficult to detect until a months or years have passed.
• Falling objects: Construction sites often have workers completing tasks at multiple levels, and it’s common for equipment and tools to fall and strike workers.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, but employers still have a responsibility to adequately protect their workers. If you or someone close to you has been injured or killed in a construction accident, speak with a dedicated Missouri workplace injury attorney as soon as possible.