You never know what could go wrong on a construction site. Just when everything appears to be going as planned, something bad happens that results in a serious injury to one or more workers.
As a construction worker, you always need to keep your safety and well-being in mind. Remember this: If you let your guard down for one second it increases the likelihood of an accident.
Unfortunately, you aren't the only person working on a construction site. For this reason, another person could make a mistake that causes an accident.
Here are some of the many situations that can lead to a construction site injury:
- Fall. This can happen on the ground or at height. Either way, there's always a possibility of a serious injury. Take, for example, a person who slips and falls off a roof. Not only can this cause serious injury, such as paralysis, but it could also result in death.
- Falling objects. When an object falls from above, such as shingles from a roof, anyone standing below is in the line of fire. Even if the item isn't heavy, it can still harm someone standing on the ground.
- Equipment accidents. There are many reasons for construction site equipment accidents, ranging from defective tools to inexperienced workers. Some types of equipment are more dangerous than others, but almost everything can cause an accident.
- Fires and explosions. It may not be common, but a fire or explosion on a construction site is just about as dangerous as it gets. There are many reasons this could happen, such as exposed electrical wiring.
- Repetitive motion injury. This isn't a serious accident that happens in an instant, but one that sets in over the course of many months or years.
Now that you know more about the situations that can lead to a construction site injury, it's time to focus on the action you should take.
It goes without saying that you need to call for immediate medical help, as fast treatment of your injury can help prevent a long-term ailment.
Once you are on the same page as your medical team, learn more about when you can return to your job.
If you're advised to stay away from work for the time being, you should file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. The money you receive can provide financial assistance as you make your recovery in the hope of returning to work soon enough.