When it comes to workplace injuries, construction jobsites are among the most dangerous environments in the world. Thousands of injuries occur nationwide every month and it’s important that construction workers understand how to respond.
Do you know what to do if you’re injured on a job site?
The Most Common Jobsite Injuries
Between power tools, blades, heavy equipment, heights, and unfinished surfaces, it’s no wonder that construction jobsites are dangerous. OSHA has taken the time to study the injuries that occur in these environments and has concluded that there are four major causes of construction worker death each year. Also, take note that under OSHA compliance, employers are required to provide rescue services. They are as follows:
- Nearly 40 percent of all construction worker deaths occur as a result of falls. Whether from ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated environments, these accidents can be catastrophic.
- Struck by an object. Hard hats are a requirement on construction sites, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect solutions. Falling objects – particularly from great heights – can lead to serious brain damage and death.
- Believe it or not, nearly 1 out of every 10 construction site deaths is the result of electrocution. This is usually the result of hot wires not being properly protected or labeled.
- Caught in/between. Whether it’s the result of a slip and fall or inappropriate use of heavy machinery, many deaths result from construction workers getting caught in or in-between dangerous elements.
In terms of non-fatal injuries, OSHA has found the following culprits to be responsible for most jobsite accidents:
- Parts and materials. The leading cause of injury on job sites is parts and materials. This includes pipes, ducts tubing, wood, lumber, nails, etc.
- Hand tools. Interestingly enough, hand tools pose a far greater risk to construction workers on a job site than power tools. Cutting tools like knives and box cutters are common culprits. Hammers, shovels, and boring tools are also responsible for thousands of injuries each year.
- Walking surfaces like stairs, steps, escalators, and scaffolding are dangerous when they’re wet, uneven, or not properly identified. These surfaces are even more dangerous when they’re elevated.
- Vehicles and machinery. Heavy machinery and vehicles are common causes of accident injuries on construction sites. Excavating machines like backhoes and bulldozers, heating and cooling machines, freight hauling trucks, and aerial lifts are involved in a few thousand injuries each year.
What to Do If You’re Injured
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re injured on the job site, respond quickly and without hesitation. Here are the proper steps to take:
- Seek Immediate Medical Care
Your health is your number one priority. Whether you think it’s a relatively inno
cuous cut or a serious injury that leaves you unable to move, immediate medical care is needed. For serious issues, call 911 right away. For less serious injuries, have someone take you to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic.
- Notify Your Employer
Notify your employer about your injuries as soon as possible. They need to be aware of the situation, and it’s your duty to inform them.
As Legler Murphy & Battaglia explains, “When you are injured on the job, your employer must pay you for medical care expenses and lost work wages. There are other types of benefits and compensation that may also apply.”
- Hire an Attorney
Jobsite injuries can be messy. Your employer will try to protect their best interests. As friendly and helpful as they may appear, your employer’s legal team isn’t on your side. You should hire an attorney to represent your best interests and to ensure you get the workers’ compensation claim that you deserve.
- Focus on Recovery
As stressful as all of the legal fallout of a construction site injury can be, your primary focus should be on recovering and getting better. Emphasize healthy habits and listen to your doctor’s orders.
Make Smart Choices
There’s never a convenient time to be injured. And as much as you may want to gut it out or follow your own personal response plan, it’s imperative that you take all necessary precautions and obtain the right medical care and legal assistance as quickly as possible. In doing so, you’ll increase your chances of experiencing a full recovery.
