If you work construction, you may have to push aside your fear from time to time. Accidents and injuries on construction sites are sadly common. While you may fear for your own safety and the pain and suffering you may endure if you have a workplace accident, your real fears may center on your family. How will they get by if you are seriously injured, become disabled or suffer a fatal injury?
As difficult as it may be to think about, you know that the only way to avoid such an accident and its consequences is to know the danger and to prepare for it. One of the most common and deadly accidents construction workers face is a fall from heights. Over 40% of fatal construction accidents are falls, yet those in the construction industry still do not always comply with national safety regulations.
Protecting yourself and your family
Overexertion is the most common work-related complaint, but falling is the deadliest on-the-job accident. Nevertheless, a recent report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reveals that more than half of construction workers who die from falls do not have access to safety devices such as personal fall arrest systems. You certainly do not want to be one of those statistics. If your boss does not supply appropriate equipment for your safety, you may want to share these facts:
- Falling from a height higher than 30 feet leaves you will little chance of survival.
- Falling from lower heights can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as to your spinal cord, brain or neck, if you land wrong or strike other objects as you fall.
- Fall protection equipment is often quite affordable, but the price cannot compare to the value of a life.
- One-size-fits-all is a poor method of supplying safety devices since each job may have different risks.
- Having safety equipment on hand may not reduce the risk of accidents if your employer does not provide adequate training.
Your diligence in using the correct safety equipment, keeping your work area free from hazards and remaining alert on the job can improve your chances of avoiding an accident, especially if your employer provides the right equipment and training for your safety.
Another safety net is workers’ compensation insurance, which your employer must carry. If you suffer an injury on the job, workers’ comp can provide financial assistance to keep your family afloat while you recover. To maximize the benefits you obtain, you may want to reach out to an attorney who understands Georgia’s complex workers’ compensation system.
