Workers who need to work at construction sites throughout the day are always at risk. They climb to heights, deal with powerful equipment, and work on roadsides. It is the inherent nature of construction jobs, and no work in this industry can avoid it. Several American workers in this sector got seriously injured or lost their lives. Serious injuries can result in costly medical bills, pain, and financial issues. So, what are the common construction injuries?
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Top Causes of Work-Related Injuries in Construction
Falling from heights
One of the major causes of deaths and injuries in the construction sector is slip and fall accidents. The number of construction deaths is very high, and it is a cause of concern for workers.
Struck-by accidents
Construction workers get struck by a falling, rolling, flying, and swinging object. To prevent these accidents, workers need to wear reflective and safety apparel. Moreover, there should be alarms and backup cameras to ensure higher visibility.
Electrocution
Workplace electrocutions can happen to construction workers. However, workers in other industries also have a risk of electrocution. The presence of power tools, electrical wiring, generators, and machinery can result in electrical burns.
Ground collapses
Excavations and trenches are highly important for construction sites. It makes the surrounding zones unstable, and thus, the ground collapses on workers in the trench.
Heat stress
Heat stress is another cause of fatal injuries on construction sites. It can cause disorientation, falls, and dizziness. Constructors can become seriously ill.
Burns
Hot machinery, welding sparks, halogen lights, and heaters are potential causes of burns. The use of flammable materials and volatile chemicals increases the risk.
Noise levels
Some construction machinery can generate noise above 85 db, which is a risk for human ears. Several construction workers suffer from hearing loss. Thus, you must wear protective gear to restore your hearing ability.
What to Do If You’re Injured on a Construction Site
As construction is a dangerous job, it can cause illness and make you injured at any time. Demolition is also a physically demanding job, and you must know about the demolition contract before starting the project. However, what should you do when you are injured at the construction site?
Assess your physical injury and get medical help
Emergency medical care is essential to recover from head and back injuries. These medical records are also important for making any future claims. Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, electrical burns, and vision damage are some common risks.
Report the accident- After receiving medical attention, you have to inform your employer and construction site owner about the accident. It will enable you to get workers’ compensation.
Look for legal help
In case of serious injury, you can file a lawsuit and hire a construction lawyer. Without legal assistance, you cannot receive compensation.
The type of legal claim filed by you can vary with the position or designation in the construction company. Workers who have been employed by a company can obtain compensation. However, freelance contractors have to make a personal injury claim.
Who is Liable for Construction Workers’ Injury?
- Material suppliers and manufacturers – They have to ensure safe and defect-free products.
- Engineers and architects – These professionals must stick to the standards according to the contract. Moreover, they should abide by the building codes in the locality.
- General contractors – Contractors are liable for workers’ safety and health.
- Subcontractors – They have a responsibility to work safely and warn others of potential dangers.
- Construction site owners – Owners are liable to control the site and identify the risks.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Employers on the construction site would get several benefits from buying the workers’ compensation insurance policy. It ensures coverage for your legal liability in terms of the compensation paid to the injured and dead employees.
This insurance covers:
- Replacement income
- Medical service from the illness and injury
- Compensation for permanent physical disability
- Compensation to survivors of dead workers
However, in case of self-inflicted injury and violation of the law, employees cannot claim compensation.
Workers Compensation vs. Lawsuit Claims
It is not easy to differentiate workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits. In case of a fault-based injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. You have a chance of recovering damages that you have suffered. You also have the right to sue the person. There is no right to sue in case of a worker’s compensation claim. No benefits are obtained due to suffering and pain.
How Professional Safety Training Can Help Reduce Work-Related Injuries
Safety training is highly important to equip workers with knowledge and skills to manage different risks and hazards. It will educate them on the basics of safety and health. Moreover, employees can gain confidence and take pleasure in their jobs.
Thus, safety training should be a part of an accident prevention program. It will reduce workplace stress, compensation costs, and other indirect costs for lost production.
How an Attorney Can Help Injured Construction Workers
Accidents in construction sites can result in life-long injuries and disability. You can file a lawsuit against a person who is responsible for your injury. Thus, for legal representation, you can look for a construction accident lawyer. According to the law, an injured worker has the right to pursue compensation. As you do not know about the filing requirements and strict deadlines, you can consult a lawyer. The attorney understands the relevant procedures and rules regarding your construction accident case. Thus, you can contact a legal firm and win the case.
Final Thoughts
Workplace fatalities are nothing uncommon in the construction industry. Several contractors get injured and lose their lives because of work-related accidents. Safety training can minimize the rate of mishaps in this industry. Still, accidents in the workplace are not 100% unavoidable. That is why it is important to get legal advice and get compensation. Your lawyer will tell you how to fill a lawsuit against the alleged person. He will analyze the circumstance in which you have been injured and provide you with comprehensive guidance.