Injuries at work are quite common. However, when they happen on a construction site, they can be catastrophic.
To avoid such incidents, it is important to be aware of them. There are four common construction injuries types that construction workers should be familiar with, as well as key facts related to worksite injuries.
Fatal four
The “fatal four” are the four categories statistically known as catalysts for fatal injuries on worksites. The categories include:
- Falls
- Being struck by objects
- Electrocution
- Getting caught between objects
While these types of injuries can lead to fatalities, that is not always the case. Most worksite injuries fall into at least one of these categories; some of the fatal ones involve a combination of injury types.
Owner responsibility
Construction sites are inherently dangerous. Understanding this, OSHA has standards for a work site in place to provide as much protection as possible. Worksite owners and managers are responsible for upholding these standards in the workplace. Workers should be abreast of these standards to know and bring attention to aspects of the site that are not up to code. By the same token, construction workers have certain responsibilities to secure their own safety, as well.
Options
Companies have their own protocols in place for handling workplace injuries. Injured construction workers should follow these guidelines in initially reporting their incident. In some cases, workers can recover the necessary care and assistance they need through the process. However, in cases where the company does not provide necessary assistance, it may be possible to pursue a claim through the court. Either way, incident documentation is essential.
If you or a loved one sustains an injury in a worksite accident, seeking proper assistance from the company may be beneficial physically and financially. Take time to weigh your options and determine the best course of action.