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Construction workers face more risk than other industries in their line of work, but often by no fault of their own. Employers do not always provide safe working conditions, and work accidents involving falls can injure and permanently disable workers. In worst-case scenarios, workers can lose their lives.
Take the case of an Ohio-based tree trimming company now under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after one of its workers died during a 30-foot fall. Although the company has not yet been cited, OSHA has fined it previously for unsafe work practices.
If OSHA cites the Ohio tree trimming company, it will join the ranks of many other companies who fail to implement adequate fall protection. Fall protection violations are the most common reason for OSHA to cite companies, and falls are the most frequent way fatal and catastrophic work accidents occur. OSHA regulations require companies to have adequate fall protection policies, including guardrails and safety harnesses, but some employers choose to ignore the guidelines.
Are Employees Injured by Falls Eligible for Workers’ Comp?
For workers that survive falls, they can suffer lifelong disability from spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries and may never be able to work again. For individuals and their families, this means it will become extremely difficult if not impossible to maintain income.
Workers who are injured by falls might have the option of receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances that led to it, other benefits and compensation might be possible. The best way to find out what you are eligible for is to contact an attorney.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Attorneys
Did You Know? According to statistics released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in 2013, 36.9 percent of fatal construction accidents were due to injuries sustained during a fall.