According to the latest statistics, the construction industry employs nearly 11 million men and women in the United States. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) reports there were 971 fatalities in the construction sector in 2017. That's 2.6 deaths every day and represents one-fifth of all work-related fatalities. OSHA classifies these causes as the "Fatal Four":
- Almost 40 percent of construction fatalities are from falls.
- About 8 percent are from being struck by an object.
- Over 7 percent are from being electrocuted.
- Just over 5 percent of construction fatalities are from being crushed or a building collapse.
Many times, an accident is just an accident. Things happen that people aren't always able to control. Unfortunately, cutting corners, taking risks, improper training, and shoddy work aren't unheard of in the construction industry, and sometimes, that results in people getting hurt or worse, dying. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the number one OSHA standards violation was inadequate fall protection during construction and the number eight standards violation was inadequate fall protection training requirements. When almost 40 percent of fatalities are from falls, there is no excuse for these violations. So, what should you do if you have been injured on the job?
Seek Treatment
If your workplace has a company nurse and the injury is minor, go visit them. They need to fill out an incident report. Even something as small as a nail puncture wound can be dangerous, as it could become infected or turn into tetanus. The important thing is you get first aid care, whether it requires a bandage or an ambulance ride to the emergency room.
Let Someone Know
No matter how small an injury you incur, it needs to be reported to your superior or your safety officer if your company is large enough to have one. Most states only allow a few weeks for an injury to be reported to collect workers' compensation benefits. That small cut could become an antibiotic-resistant staph infection that turns into sepsis and fighting for your life. You need to protect yourself and your earnings.
Contact An Attorney
If you have been injured on the job, especially if you believe the accident was avoidable or was caused by what you believe to be a safety violation, it is imperative you immediately contact a construction injury lawyer. Your health, livelihood, and potentially your life or those of your coworkers are on the line. Be sure to save all documentation and medical records that pertain to the event.
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