Many Minnesota workers are employed in the construction industry. As technology, planning and worker treatment have advanced, safety has improved. Still, there are inherent risks with the work, and it is important to understand them while simultaneously knowing what to do after being injured in a work-related accident.
The report shows the danger of construction work remains high
Statistical analysis of construction accidents showed positive results in a reduction of non-fatal work accidents. However, it is still the industry with the highest number of worker injuries. In fact, its rate is much higher than all other industries combined. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the Center for Construction Training and Research (CPWR) found that between 2003 and 2019, construction saw a decline of almost 57% in worker injuries in which the victim survived. When assessing the number of accidents vs. all other industries, construction was more than 29% higher in 2019.
Smaller construction companies were found to have a greater chance of injuries than those with a larger workforce. Those that had 11 to 49 workers had five times more incidents than companies with at least 1,000 workers. The most common catalyst for injuries was if a worker collided with equipment or objects. These accounted for nearly one-third of injuries between 2013 and 2019. More than 31% were due to workers who tripped, slipped, and fell. Overexertion or physical strain came to more than one-quarter of the injuries. The age range that had the highest injury total leading to days off work was 20 to 24. Workers’ compensation could be essential to cover for all that is lost.
Workers’ compensation benefits might be needed after on-the-job injuries
A seemingly endless litany of challenges can arise after a construction accident. Workers could be off the job for an extended period, uncertain of how they will make ends meet. Workers’ compensation benefits can provide for lost wages, medical coverage, and other expenses that arise. Getting approval and maximizing the benefits requires providing all the correct information and evidence. Professional guidance could be crucial for a successful case.
