Falling Object Injury Claims on Construction Sites
Struck-by incidents involving falling objects are one of OSHA’s “Fatal Four” — the four most common causes of construction worker fatalities. Tools, building materials, structural components, and debris falling from heights can strike workers with tremendous force, causing traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, spinal cord injuries, and death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, struck-by hazards account for a significant percentage of all construction fatalities and serious injuries each year.
At Roden Law, our falling object injury attorneys represent construction workers and bystanders who are struck by falling items on or near construction sites throughout Georgia and South Carolina. We pursue workers’ compensation benefits and third-party negligence claims to ensure victims receive full compensation.
Common Falling Object Hazards on Construction Sites
Falling object injuries on construction sites result from a variety of preventable hazards:
- Unsecured tools and equipment: Hand tools, power tools, and small equipment dropped from scaffolds, ladders, and elevated platforms
- Building materials: Lumber, steel beams, concrete blocks, and roofing materials falling during lifting and placement
- Crane load drops: Crane rigging failures, improper load securement, and overloading causing loads to drop
- Demolition debris: Uncontrolled falling of structural elements during demolition work
- Overhead work: Materials and debris falling from roofing operations and upper floors
- Stacked materials: Improperly stacked lumber, pipe, or materials toppling over
OSHA Standards for Falling Object Protection
OSHA’s construction standards require comprehensive protections against falling objects:
- Hard hat requirements (29 CFR 1926.100): All workers exposed to falling object hazards must wear approved hard hats
- Toe boards on scaffolds (29 CFR 1926.451): Scaffolds must have toeboards on all open sides to prevent tools and materials from falling
- Overhead protection (29 CFR 1926.451): Workers below scaffolds must be protected by debris nets, canopies, or barricades
- Tool lanyards and tethering: Tools used at heights should be tethered to prevent drops
- Controlled access zones: Areas below overhead work must be barricaded to prevent pedestrian access
- Proper material hoisting: Materials must be properly rigged and secured for lifting operations
Injuries from Falling Objects
The severity of falling object injuries depends on the weight of the object, the height from which it fell, and whether the victim was wearing protective equipment. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries and concussions even through hard hats, skull fractures, cervical and spinal cord injuries, broken bones in the shoulders, arms, and hands, crush injuries, eye injuries and blindness, and fatal injuries from heavy objects falling from significant heights.
Pursuing a Falling Object Injury Claim
Liability for falling object injuries may rest with general contractors who failed to implement overhead protection measures, subcontractors performing overhead work without proper safeguards, crane operators and rigging crews responsible for load drops, equipment manufacturers whose defective products failed (slings, shackles, hoisting devices), and property owners who failed to protect the public from construction hazards. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows recovery if less than 50% at fault. South Carolina allows recovery if less than 51% at fault. Our attorneys investigate site conditions, OSHA citations, and contractor safety programs to identify all responsible parties. Contact Roden Law for a free consultation — no fee unless we win.