There have always been risks associated with construction sites, and while construction site safety has improved significantly in the state of Ohio over the years, fatal and serious accidents still happen. Therefore, if you are a worker on a construction site, it is important that you take the time to learn about the best ways to avoid accidents.
As a construction worker, it is likely that you have heard of the “fatal four”: the four main causes of death and serious injuries on construction sites. If you have been affected by the risks of the fatal four, it is important that you know your rights when it comes to getting compensation for the damages that you suffered. Workers’ compensation can help to cover the wages that you lost as a result of needing to take unpaid leave during recovery time, and the medical bills that you needed to pay as a result.
What are the “fatal four?”
Falls were responsible for 39 percent of all construction worker deaths in 2015, making it the most common cause of death on construction sites. The other leading causes of death and serious injuries on construction sites include being electrocuted, getting caught in moving machinery or getting crushed and being hit by falling debris. All employers have the legal responsibility to do what is reasonably necessary to prevent these types of injuries from occurring at their workplace, and they can be held liable for any negligence they exhibited.
If you have been injured on a construction site, you should make sure that you take advantage of your right to workers’ compensation.