Every day, brave men and women leave the comfort and safety of their Minnesota home to head off to construction sites. In the back of everyone’s mind is the acknowledgment of the dangers of the construction industry.
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are four common types of construction accidents, called the “Fatal 4.” These are the most likely: falls, electric shock, caught in-between objects, and being struck by flying or falling objects. This is relatively common knowledge, yet construction workers still find themselves in unnecessary danger — often because their employers don’t take enough precautions.
What are some ways that construction workers are exposed to danger?
There are various subtle, and not so subtle, ways that construction workers are pushed into unsafe work conditions:
- Fall protection: To “get the job done,” some supervisors cut corners on fall protection by not providing adequate harnesses, handrails, and tie-off points.
- Deadlines: Some jobs are perpetually behind production dates and deadlines. Workers most often know how long a task takes, and being placed under unrealistic demands can cause stress and distraction.
- Worn out or missing PPE: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required by law. When PPE is missing or inadequate, construction workers are placed in greater danger.
- Lack of training: Training and certification programs take time and resources away from the construction project. Sometimes, training and preparation are the first to go when construction companies make budget decisions.
- Fatigue: Mandatory overtime and unachievable deadlines often push workers to fatigue and exhaustion. Construction sites are dangerous under normal conditions. Think of construction fatigue as driving while sleepy.
Worker’s compensation insurance claims are a good first step to helping construction workers get the benefits that they deserve after an accident. If your workers’ comp claim isn’t going as expected, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance.
