Working in the construction industry can be a very rewarding but dangerous career choice. Construction workers in New Jersey face many different risks when they clock in for work, including falling objects and large machinery that can cause some serious damage. Despite this, the number of certain nonfatal construction injuries have actually been on the decline over the past decade.
The dangers of struck-by accidents
Struck-by accidents are particularly risky for construction workers. These types of injuries frequently involve objects that fall from significant heights, moving machinery pieces or large construction vehicles. Some steps that workers can take to minimize the risk of struck-by injuries include:
- Wearing high visibility clothing
- Wearing correct safety gear
- Avoid working under loads
- Keeping a safe distance from backhoes and cranes
Some New Jersey employers might already be implementing and reinforcing some of these safety approaches. According to the Center for Construction Research and Training — CPWR — these types of accidents are becoming less and less common. Between 2011 and 2019, nonfatal struck-by accidents actually fell by a full 20% in the construction industry.
However, just because certain construction injuries are becoming less common does not mean that workers are completely safe. Accidents involving falling objects still occur, and there are still risks hidden all over construction sites. When a worker is seriously injured and unable to work, he or she should consider how pursuing workers’ compensation benefits can help. Most injury victims find that the compensation for lost wages and medical bills are invaluable on their path to recovery.