Even the most safety-minded construction employees in Illinois can face an accident now and then. Employers will want to find out what types of accidents are the most common and focus on preventing those.
Falls, slips and trips
Falls from elevated heights are among the top five construction accidents, and when it comes to fatalities, falls are the leading cause. In 2016, for example, 991 construction site workers died in falls. To prevent these incidents, employers should focus on scaffolding and ladder safety and give employees the right fall protection gear.
Slips and trips are possible in almost any workplace but prominent in construction sites because of their equipment, the presence of holes and uneven ground, and the way sites are affected by bad weather. Workers should be properly trained, and slip and trip hazards must be clearly marked.
Electrocutions and struck-by incidents
Though not as common as it used to be, electrocution is a real risk. Workers can guard themselves with the right personal protective equipment and good training. PPE, especially hard hats and goggles, can help prevent the fourth type of incident: struck-by incidents. Objects can fall from an elevated surface, and debris may fly while a worker is using a power tool. Last in the top five most common accidents are caught-in-between incidents, usually the result of unguarded machines.
A lawyer to assist with your claim
As an injured construction worker, you have the ability to file a workers’ compensation claim. While you don’t need to prove anyone’s negligence in order to be eligible for benefits, the fact is that you may face opposition from your employer. For this and other reasons, you may want a lawyer to assist you. You might file an appeal with legal help or seek out a settlement.