Construction projects are prevalent throughout California. This could be for commercial purposes, to build residential structures or to maintain and improve existing buildings and areas. The work construction employees do is dangerous, but rewarding. They are generally well-compensated and most take pride in seeing their toil come to a definable and clear result with the project completed according to specifications. Still, there are dangers with construction work. An accident can cause injuries and death. Workers who have been hurt should understand the steps to get workers’ compensation. Families who have suffered the loss of a loved one should be aware of how to recover compensation for the fatality.
According to recent reports, a construction project at a college was halted after there was an accident. One worker died and others were injured when two sections of rebar collapsed. The worker who died had a head injury. The others were hurt when equipment fell on them. Two were hospitalized. The workers were evacuated from the site after the incident. The project is to create an expansive area for students and locals with classrooms, residences for students, stores, restaurants and more. The investigation is just beginning and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is part of it.
Construction work is unique in that it requires workers to put aside any fear or concern as to the risk they face to do their jobs. If they need to be stationed high in the air, use massive tools, trust others, be on scaffolds and operate heavy machinery, that is simply part of the work. Even with that, employers are required to make sure the workers are safe. If there is a mistake or a lack of care in providing safety equipment and ensuring that all precautions are taken according to the law, it could be the foundation for a legal filing for compensation. Families who lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident and injured workers must be cognizant of their rights, especially those in high risk occupations.
