Construction sites are places that are fraught with risks for every worker, but there are ways that New York employers can make it safer for every man and woman employed in this field. Work site safety is especially important in the construction industry, yet by bringing awareness to the most common hazards, it may be possible to reduce the chance of an accident.
You have the right to a reasonably safe workplace, and you also have the right to seek certain financial support in the event that you are hurt at work. You may find it useful to learn more about the most prevalent threats to your personal safety on a construction site, as well as what to do in case you need to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Common jobsite hazards
Construction work is risky — it’s simply the nature of the job, yet there are ways that an employer can increase safety on all types of construction project sites. The most common hazards and safety threats include the following:
- Working from a height
- Slip-and-fall accidents and trip hazards
- Moving and manually handling materials
- Moving equipment and worksite vehicles
- Electrocution
These hazards threaten the well-being of every person who works in construction, yet it is possible to reduce the chance of an injury-producing accident. Your employer may be able to make your job safer by providing safety equipment, properly maintained equipment and safety training.
If you do experience an accident at work and find yourself hurt, you have options. You have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and secure benefits related to your medical care, lost wages and other accident-related losses. Injured construction workers may find it beneficial to seek a full understanding of their rights and legal options in order to ensure the full protection of their rights.
Getting better after an accident
After an accident on a construction site, you have the right to recovery. Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, you have no time to lose in learning more about your rightful claim to workers’ compensation benefits.
As a construction worker, you should have the equipment and training required to make your job as safe as possible. If you are hurt or become ill as a result of your job, it is prudent to be cognizant of both your rights and the steps you need to take to complete a claim for the benefits you need to get better and get back to work.