Construction is, by far, one of the most dangerous industries for workplace injuries. Over 203,000 construction workers were injured in 2013 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even with the best safety practices, there are hazards left and right on the job that are integral to the work.
Common Types of Construction Accidents and Injuries
The amount and magnitude of hazards that construction workers face on a daily basis is pretty remarkable.
- Scaffolding
- Heat exhaustion/heat stroke
- Tight spaces
- Working from heights
- Demolition
- Using power tools and heavy equipment like cranes
- Handling dangerous chemicals
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that the four leading causes of work-related deaths in the construction sector, “The Fatal Four,” include falls (from roofs, scaffolds, platforms), being struck by an object, electrocution, and being stuck in between two objects.
In addition to these, some of the most common types of injuries construction workers sustain involve the following.
- Being injured by tools and equipment, such as nail guns
- Being crushed while in a trench or below ground because of a cave-in
- Being run over by a forklift, backhoe, crane, loader, etc.
- Slipping and falling or tripping over wires, equipment, lumber
- Being hit or crushed by beams, pipes, and other heavy materials
- Exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos
Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a vital component of the workforce in America. It’s a straightforward insurance program that keeps workers afloat with medical and income replacement benefits.
Eligibility for workers’ compensation for construction workers can be rather convoluted because of the delicate nature of the worker-employer relationships in the industry. To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you have to be an employee; independent contractors are ineligible.
At a construction site, it can be difficult to establish your employment relationship because there are usually numerous contractors and subcontractors involved.
Also, your employer might try to say that you’re an independent contractor (and, therefore, ineligible for benefits) when you’re technically an employee under the terms of the law. If this is your situation, you’ll want to take your case to an attorney.
Need help with workers’ compensation? Call Cordisco & Saile LLC
If you are having difficulty determining your eligibility for workers’ compensation or you’ve been wrongly denied benefits, you are welcome to contact Cordisco & Saile LLC for a free consult with an attorney.
Cordisco & Saile LLC can review your case, help you pursue the benefits you’re entitled, and even look for additional means of financial recovery such as any viable third party claims. Contact Cordisco & Saile LLC today at 215-642-2335 to schedule a meeting.
