Oftentimes without even realizing it, construction workers put themselves at risk for their jobs and the betterment of society. These men and women operate near fast-moving traffic, in extreme temperatures, near dangerous machinery and at extraordinary heights. Though most of these workers are kept safe by implemented safety measures and employers abiding by regulations, there are still too many instances where workers are hurt on the job. When this happens, they may have a tough time ahead of them, full of pain, financial strain and concern for their future.
One Massachusetts construction worker may be facing such a time after suffering life-threatening injuries at work. According to reports, the man was working on a lift when he fell 50 to 60 feet to the ground. He was immediately transported to the hospital where his current condition is unknown.
The circumstances surrounding this incident are still unclear, but there may be several factors contributing to such an incident. For example, it may be critical to assess whether the worker was provided with the appropriate safety equipment and training to ensure that he could perform his duty with as little risk as possible. Weather and equipment failure may also play a role in instances like these. With so many possibilities, it is likely that OSHA will step in to investigate and determine if the employer should be sanctioned.
In the meantime, the injured worker will need to find a way to pay for his medical expenses and lost wages. This may seem moot at a time when he may be struggling to reclaim his health, but these financial burdens can weigh heavy on his family. For this reason, it may be critical for him to seek workers’ compensation benefits in the near future. The compensation recovered through this system may allow him and his family to find financial relief, allowing him to focus on his health.
Source: The Boston Globe, “Worker falls 6 floors at Commonwealth Ave. construction site,” Rachel Riley and Sarah Roberts, Dec. 2, 2015
