Construction accidents can leave construction workers seriously injured and wondering where to turn for help with their medical expenses and lost earnings while they recuperate. Workers’ compensation is an important protection against the losses associated with construction accidents.
The construction industry can be dangerous. Because of this unfortunate reality, it can be helpful for construction workers and their families to understand the most common types of construction injuries that may leave them in need of workers’ compensation benefits. Common injuries workers can suffer on a construction site include:
- Falls – falls are one of the most common construction site injuries workers can suffer. Construction workers can suffer from falls from heights including from scaffolding, cranes, roofs, ladders and other dangers as well.
- Falling objects – falling objects are another danger that is not uncommon on construction sites. Construction workers can be injured by objects that fall from overhead such as improperly secured equipment.
- Equipment-related accidents – equipment-related accidents can include accidents with nail guns or other equipment such as heavy equipment that overturns.
- Backover, trench or building collapse and crush injuries – crush injuries can be suffered in a variety of different ways on a construction site if a structure or trench collapses or the worker is backed over by a piece of heavy equipment.
- Fire or explosions- there are commonly a variety of different hazardous materials on construction sites that can cause injuries, including those related to fires and explosions or occupational illnesses.
- Repetitive stress injuries – due to the nature of the work, repetitive stress injuries are not uncommon on a construction site.
Construction workers can suffer with construction-related injuries and illnesses. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can help them with the medical expenses and lost wages associated with both; as a result, it is worth it for construction workers and their families to be familiar with how workers’ compensation benefits can help during a difficult time.