The construction industry ranks high on lists that feature the “most dangerous jobs” in America. Certain locations or types of work can increase the risk that Alaska construction workers encounter every day. For instance, work zones located alongside highways are particularly dangerous. Workers in these areas who suffer on-the-job injuries are typically entitled to collect benefits through the workers’ compensation program.
When a construction industry employee is working alongside moving traffic, it can be frightening. Work zones usually include orange safety cones and flaggers to help slow and direct traffic. However, construction workers cannot control the behavior of the hundreds, if not thousands of motorists that might pass by them on a given day.
Driver negligence often causes injuries to construction workers
If a motorist is distracted at the wheel, he or she might not see signs or realize that there is an active work zone nearby. Traveling too fast near a work zone often leads to a collision. A driver who disregards work zone safety signage, or someone who is intoxicated or reckless at the wheel, places themselves and all construction workers in the vicinity at risk for severe injuries.
Work zone motor vehicle collisions are often fatal
In Alaska and throughout the country, motor vehicle collisions that occur in or near construction zones often result in fatalities. If a worker survives his or her injuries, the workers’ compensation program can provide benefits to assist the worker financially during recovery. A family grieving the loss of a construction worker caused by driver negligence may also be able to collect survivors’ benefits to help cover funeral expenses and meet other financial needs due to the tragedy. It is helpful to speak with a workers’ compensation law attorney before filing a claim.
