Construction sites are workplaces that have some of the tightest safety requirements, from the obligation to wear a hard hat to weight limits on scaffolding and the necessity of high-visibility jackets. However, despite the strict safety regulations, construction sites continue to be much more dangerous than a typical workplace, such as an office or a retail store. As a result, countless construction workers become significantly injured or tragically lose their lives each year due to a workplace accident.
While prevention is always the top priority, workers who do become injured are protected under the law in several ways. The most notable way in which they are protected is through workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation insurance aims to prevent the economic suffering of injured workers by covering all medical costs, reimbursing some of the lost wages and helping injured workers with rehabilitation in a new career if necessary. The following are some of the most common causes of injuries on construction sites that usually result in workers’ compensation claims.
Falling from height
Construction workers are often working at height, either on the sides of buildings or on scaffolding. Usually, construction workers have harnesses when working from height, but if these are faulty or used incorrectly, serious injuries may be caused.
Trench collapse
Workers in trenches can be in severe danger in the event of a trench collapse. They can be crushed by the weight of the walls falling in, and they may suffer from a loss of air supply.
Electric shock
Construction workers often work with power tools, electrical wiring, generators and other machinery. If mistakes are made or wires are live, this can lead to electric shock, which can be life-threatening.
Failure to use protective gear
Protective gear should be provided by employers, and the maintenance of the gear should be enforced.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a construction site worker, it is important that you take action to understand the workers’ compensation damages that you may be able to gain.