The construction industry has a large number of laborers or helpers that work on residential, commercial and public projects. In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were approximately 1.3 million construction laborers working in the U.S. with an expected job growth of 25% from 2010-2020. These workers that handle many miscellaneous tasks and jobs are one of the highest injury risk groups of employees on a construction site.
If you or a family member was injured while working as a construction worker, you are likely entitled to workers compensation benefits. Contact the workers compensation attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC for more information and a free review of your legal rights and options.
Construction Laborer Job Description
The construction laborer or helper is the “Girl Friday” of the construction industry. Laborers can do a wide variety of work from general clean-up to assisting other craftsmen with their duties. Some common tasks that laborers or helpers are expected to perform are:
- Construction site preparation
- Loading and unloading supplies
- Shoveling or creating holes or trenches
- Running equipment
- Putting debris into dumpsters
- Hauling supplies to work areas, on the ground and at elevated areas.
- Build or take apart temporary structures such as scaffolding or fencing
Types Of Injuries Commonly Sustained By Construction Laborers
Due to the extreme physical nature of a construction laborers job, they are at high risk for injury. Much of heavy lifting and backbreaking work that is part of the building industry trade is left to the laborers and helpers on a job site. Although most construction industry jobs have a higher than average risk for injury, laborers are even more prone to being injured as they are used to reduce the amount of physical wear on the “skilled” craftsmen that are part of a construction crew. Some common injuries may include:
- Back or muscle injuries due to overexertion or repetitive motion
- Crush injuries from contact with equipment or objects
- Power tool accidents resulting in cuts, fractures or punctures
- Fall injuries
- Injuries from falling construction material including: beams, bricks and scrap lumber
In a study performed by Dr. Xiuwen Sue Dong of the Center to Protect Workers Rights, the possibility of a fatal or disabling injury was significantly higher for construction workers than other risky careers. For construction workers who works for 45 years, from 20 years to 65 years of age, 1 out of 200 will be fatally injured. The chance of being seriously injured in that same time period is 75%, meaning 3 out of 4 workers will have a disabling injury in their career.
Prevention Of Injuries Amongst Laborers On Construction Sites
Although construction work is dangerous, there are still many improvements that can be made to work environments to protect construction laborers from injury. Construction companies need to provide proper safety equipment and training to laborers to keep them safe from injury. Work hazards that cause injury are:
- Poorly maintained equipment, such as ladders and shoddy scaffolding
- Lack of fall protection, such as harnesses or guard rails
- Poor safety gear
- Power equipment that is not maintained for safety
Contact A Construction Workers Compensation & Injury Law Firm
If you have received an injury while working as a construction laborer or helper, you could be facing the hardship of lost work, permanent injury and high medical bills. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have experienced construction accident attorneys that understand that this can be a difficult time for you and your family and we want to assist you in exploring all of your compensation options. Depending on your situation, you may be able to receive a higher compensation package against various sub-contractors on the job-site than workers’ compensation can offer. Call our office today to set up a free appointment to discuss your case with one of our work injury attorneys who have experience representing laborers and other construction workers. 888-424-4747
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