Construction sites represent many positive things, such as new buildings and renovations to existing ones. Workers perform multitudes of tasks at New Jersey construction sites to bring projects to completion. The work comes with dangers, though. Electrical wires, power tools, and even chemicals could present pronounced risks. Some concerns center on slips, trips, and falls. Such mishaps may occur without warning, and even a “minor” fall could lead to a terrible injury.
Slip and fall hazards at construction sites
Power tools may require electrical cords to work, and workers could trip over poorly secured cables. A colleague might leave a box on the ground for just a minute, and someone else may stumble over it. Not cleaning a spill up in time could lead to a slippery surface and another hazard. Once again, the fall doesn’t have to be from any great heights to cause serious injury. Even when the injury is minor, missing three or so days of work may hurt financially.
And then some falls may prove frightening. A person could slip on a ladder and fall many feet to the floor. Broken bones or worse may result.
Hazards lurking on a construction site
Repair work may take place in a dilapidated building. Holes in the floor or uneven flooring presents potential dangers. Lifting and carrying heavy equipment might cause a fall. Surprisingly, a worker could fall when attempting to operate special equipment. A lack of training may result in all kinds of injury-inducing equipment disasters.
Thankfully, New Jersey law does not require fault to file a workers’ compensation claim. In some cases, such as accidents that are due to the fault of non-employer third parties, a injured worker may file a claim and pursue a separate lawsuit as well.
Workers’ compensation benefits could help a construction employee meet financial obligations while recovering. An attorney might assist with the filing and appear at subsequent hearings if the claim is disputed or denied.