Although nearly anyone can suffer an injury on the job, there are certain occupations with a much higher-than-average risk for workplace injuries. Construction workers rank at the very top among these employees, with a disproportionate risk of injury every day on the job.
In Delaware, there are laws that protect workers from on-the-job injuries, and there are options for getting compensation to pay for medical bills and missed days at work. Construction workers are particularly in need of these protections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that construction is the most dangerous industry in the United States.
Construction workers and injuries
The BLS reported that in Delaware, construction and extraction occupations had the highest number of on-the-job fatalities. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, OSHA, has a list of “fatal four” hazards that impact construction workers. It has implemented a regional safety campaign in five states, including Delaware, to raise awareness of these hazards, which include falling, getting caught between objects, getting struck by objects and getting electrocuted.
What to do if you suffer a construction injury
Construction workers do not always know about the resources available to them for on-the-job injuries. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to file a workers’ compensation claim. When medical bills begin to pile up, it is often just a matter of time before monthly bills and other expenses go unpaid. That is why it is crucial to file a workers’ compensation claim and start the process to get the money necessary for covering medical expenses and lost wages due to time away from work.
Construction injuries rank among some of the most serious injuries that workers experience. Therefore, construction workers should seek help as soon as possible after they experience an injury on the job. The first thing to do is report the injury to the workplace supervisor to begin the workers’ compensation claim process. If the insurance company or the employer is making the process difficult, there are other resources available to assist construction workers, such as workers’ compensation attorneys who guide their clients through the entire process.
