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The most dangerous jobs are in the construction fields

On Behalf of | Mar 9, 2020 | Workers' Compensation

Workers on construction sites face the highest risk of accidents causing life-altering injuries. Whether counting incidents in the roofing, demolition or extraction industries, statistics show that accidents in construction have increased. 

Serious workplace injuries have become more predominant since the rise of the gig economy. Companies hiring temporary or “gig” workers may forgo providing adequate training. This is a dangerous omission that can place inexperienced workers in hazardous situations. 

Employers may expect gig workers to have had past experience and training before hiring them, but may not always take steps to be certain. In cases where a gig worker fully understands how to perform a job safely, however, it does not absolve a company of its responsibility to provide the required safety equipment. 

The highest volume of serious injuries take place on construction sites 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction site accidents accounted for the highest volume of incidents resulting in serious injuries outside of the service industries. During 2018, at least 22,000 accidents resulted in construction workers sustaining injuries because of a fall, slip or trip. The number of incidents of falls from a high to lower level reached 11,960. Weak scaffolding and an open surface reportedly caused the most serious injuries related to falls. 

As reported by CNBC, vehicles caused the most catastrophic injuries to workers on construction sites. Without adequate training, an inexperienced worker operating heavy equipment may strike other vehicles or construction site workers. Whatever the cause, a worker suffering an injury should seek immediate medical attention regardless of whether he or she is working under the terms of a temporary gig arrangement. 

Recovery may require legal action 

By law, a Garden State employer must provide its construction sites with the proper harnesses, ladders and properly maintained safety gear. If a worker suffers from an injury while on the job, he or she may file a claim against a company that has failed to comply with safety regulations. A legal action may provide compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation and loss of wages. 

 

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