Some jobs such as in the construction or transportation industries put workers at much higher risk for injury than other occupations. Construction work is inherently dangerous, and there are significant onsite hazards even when safety protocols and regulations are strictly enforced.
Some of the most common risks of construction work include:
- Electrocution
- Injuries sustained by falling objects
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Falls
- Unsafe equipment
Even though worker’s compensation in New York will provide coverage in the event of injury or disability, there are often delays in receiving compensation when a claim is denied or held up by administrative issues, thereby putting the injured worker and his family at further risk or financial insecurity.
When this happens, it is important to have strong legal advocates serving Queens and across the five boroughs who will aggressively pursue pending claims in order to maximize compensation awards for their clients when it comes time to appear before the Worker’s Compensation Board.
The fatal four job site fatalities
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five job site fatalities are in the construction industry. The leading cause of death is from falls, which account for over a third of the cases due to poorly secured scaffolding, dangerous walking or work surfaces, hidden gaps, or unmarked or concealed holes.
After falls, the other three main sources of construction injury are electrocution, being struck by an object, and “caught-in/between”, in which a worker is caught in machinery, crushed by a collapsed structure, or equipment, trench or excavation collapses. Called the “fatal four”, these types of accidents are responsible for more than half of all construction worker deaths.
Important procedures to follow after an accident
For workers who have been injured on the job, it is essential to first seek medical attention, and to make sure that the medical professionals know that the injury occurred at work. Notify the employer within 30 days, and make sure to get copies of all medical records, including diagnosis, medication and treatments. Getting help with filling out the paperwork involved with worker’s compensation forms and meeting deadlines for filing it will ensure access to needed compensation benefits.