There are numerous safety hazards present at every construction site. Current safety standards reflect the hazardous nature of construction work. Hard hats and other forms of head protection are the standard requirement at most construction sites.
Even professionals who don’t perform job functions below grade or at an elevation need to protect themselves in case someone else drops a tool or construction materials fall due to a machinery malfunction. While protective headgear does reduce the likelihood of severe and fatal injuries, it does not eliminate the possibility of a worker getting hurt when items fall at a construction site.
Major injuries are still possible
Struck-by incidents involving falling objects can produce a variety of devastating injuries. Even with a hard hat to reduce the force of impact, the workers struck by falling objects could sustain a traumatic brain injury. Moderate to severe brain injuries cause permanent changes to the structure of the brain that could affect a worker’s ability to continue their career.
Falling objects that strike a worker’s head could also cause spinal cord injuries or other neck and back injuries. They can also break bones. Workers may require weeks off to heal and may have lasting functional limitations caused by those injuries.
In cases where falling items cause serious injuries, injured construction professionals may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Medical coverage can pay for their treatment, and they may be eligible for partial wage replacement through disability benefits.
Reviewing a recent work incident with a legal professional can help injured construction professionals understand their options. Workers’ compensation benefits can limit the financial damages caused by falling objects at a construction site.