Most New Jersey motorists are unfortunately all-too-familiar with the large amount of road construction that happens during the summer. These projects can result in lengthy traffic delays, which can add a significant amount of time to even a short commute.
For construction workers in these work zones, there is a risk of injury every time they are on the job. Besides all of the equipment present at the work site, there are also vehicles traveling through at a high rate of speed. If everyone is not paying complete attention to what is happening, a serious construction accident may result.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the federal agency tasked with ensuring workplace safety, has focused on making these sites safer for those present. Many work zones include reduced speed limits for motorists, and also put up barriers to prevent vehicles from leaving their lanes of traffic and entering into areas where workers may be located.
Those workers injured at construction sites may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation system allows those injured on-the-job to receive medical treatment for their injuries, and also benefits to help them financially while they are out of work.
Specific procedures must be followed, or it can be much more difficult to obtain these benefits. Workers should report any injuries as soon as they occur, so that the process can get started as soon as possible.
Individuals who have questions about workers’ compensation may wish to speak to an experienced attorney. An attorney can help these workers receive the benefits they are entitled to, and help get the care they need to return back to health.
Source: CDC.gov, “Highway work zone safety”