Every year, thousands of people are fatally injured while on the job. For instance, approximately 4,000 people experienced a fatal injury within the private work sector in 2013, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). About 20 percent of those deaths happened to individuals of the construction industry.
Since construction workers are responsible for physically demanding work that requires handling hazardous materials and being elevated high above the ground at times, they are literally risking their lives to perform their duties and economically support our society.
As for the kinds of work accidents experienced by construction workers, they include the Fatal Four – the cause of over half the deaths of construction workers during 2013. The Fatal Four are falls, getting struck by an object, electrocutions, and getting caught in or between objects/machinery.
How Injured or Ill Workers Can Receive Help
For workers who experience injuries that are not fatal while on the job, finding support for their well-being can be a very complicated process. Nonetheless, it is possible to effectively recover from work-related health issues and lead a prosperous life. Many workers turn to WC workers compensation (also known as workman’s comp) for assistance.
This is an insurance program mandated by the state that provides financial coverage for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses caused by work accidents, according to NOLO. Each state has its own set of laws and programs in place to protect the welfare of workers, in addition to insurance offered by the federal government. The insurance can sufficiently aid injured employees, regardless of who is at fault (i.e. an employer, coworker, customer, or even the injured worker, etc.).
What the Insurance Program Provides Coverage for
Most on-the-job injuries can be insured by workman’s comp. On the other hand, there are injuries that cannot reasonably be covered by the insurance program. They include accidents caused by an intoxicated employee or an employee who used illegal drugs. Other limitations are self-inflicted injuries from fights as well as injuries suffered while committing a serious crime, not being present on the job, or violating company policy.
As for the coverage of illnesses, they can be caused by constant and excessive stress from work (i.e. repetitive stress injuries) or a gradual outcome of work conditions (e.g. heart conditions and lung disease) to qualify.
WC workers compensation can ensure injured workers successfully receive financial aid for hospital and medical expenses along with disability, rehabilitation, and retraining payments, etc. Overall, there is hope for many injured or ill workers across the nation, and they can regain control of their livelihood.
