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Construction Injuries in Missouri

The construction industry is a prime place for serious injuries. Working in the heat, at dangerous heights, with materials that can fall, and many other risk factors can lead to accidents that can range anywhere from minor to fatal.

Examples of some common construction injuries and illnesses include

•      Heat stroke
•      Amputation
•      Broken or sprained bones
•      Concussions
•      Burns
•      Paralysis

Construction Risks are High in Missouri

The construction industry has one of the highest incident rates of all industries in Missouri. In 2013, 3.4 out of every 100 full time workers were injured in Missouri, according to a study by The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preliminary numbers for 2014 indicate that 11 construction workers were fatally injured in construction-related accidents.

Know Your Rights and Be Careful in Dangerous Situations

Your employer has a duty to ensure a safe workplace. At the same time, you have a responsibility to follow all safety-related laws and regulations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requires Missouri employers to follow a variety of safety rules, including:

•   The amount and type of safety training that should be conducted before working in dangerous areas.
•   The type of safety gear and equipment required to be worn.
•   The amount of breaks that workers are legally entitled to receive.
•   The safety specifications of machinery.

If your workplace has safety regulations in place, make sure to follow them. However, if there are safety rules that your employer is not implementing, do not take the risk. You have the right to refuse to work in a dangerous situation under many circumstances.

If you see that your company is not following a safety regulation and/or they threaten to fire you for refusing to ignore the safety rule, consider talking to a lawyer.

What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Construction Accident

If you are injured in a work-related construction accident, taking the following steps can help you protect your rights:

1. Immediately report the incident to the appropriate person and take note of whom that person is. This can help you later if problems arise.
2. Seek medical attention for your injuries.
3. Collect contact information from people who may have seen the accident.
4. Take pictures and/or video of the scene and any equipment that may have failed.
5. Keep a journal of your treatment and recovery, along with documents related to your medical treatment and dealings with your employer and insurance company.

Missouri does offer workers’ compensation benefits. This means that if you are injured at work, you can recover for your injuries. This is true even if your employer was following all safety rules and was not at fault for the injury.

Talk to a Construction Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a construction related accident, it’s important to know your rights. Kevin J. Roach is an experienced construction injury attorney with a track record of success. Call today for a free workers compensation consultation (866) 519-0085 or fill out our online form.