The construction industry has one of the highest rates of injury among workers. Generally, working conditions in the workplace, lack of adequate training for workers and the misuse of safety equipment serious injuries and even death. The use of scaffolding, ladders, heavy equipment and hazardous chemicals increases the risk of accidents at construction sites.

Safety programs in construction, which include mandatory inspections of tools and equipment, help raise awareness of safety in the workplace. The construction industry must also comply with the Act on Occupational Safety and Health 1970 (Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). Compliance with this law is overseen by the federal agency known as the Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, for its acronym in English).
Workers Compensation

In many cases, a state requires employers to have compensation insurance to protect the right of workers to receive payment for lost wages and medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained at work. The workers’ compensation laws were created to avoid disputes when a worker is injured on the job and allow the injured worker receives medical treatment and lost wages without having to prove their injuries were caused by the negligence of the employer.

Injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation costs related to:

* Injuries long and short term
* Permanent loss of all or part of any body part
* Vocational training that allows employees to perform other work if an injury prevents you from re-construction
* Physical Therapy

In the event that an employer disputes the claim of a worker’s compensation, the case is handled by an administrative agency designated for that purpose. An administrative law judge determines whether an employee is entitled to receive workers’ compensation.
Responsibility for construction accident

Because multiple contractors and employees work in a construction site, many parties may be liable if someone is injured. Responsible parties may include the owner of the work, contractors, construction managers or professional engineer. Manufacturers of construction machinery may also be responsible for accidents.

General contractors and subcontractors have legal obligations to provide a workplace that is reasonably safe and should warn employees of any hazards that may occur.

A general contractor is responsible for security throughout the workplace and must comply with OSHA standards. Although the general contractor is primarily responsible for this assurance, any subcontractor of the work must also ensure safety at work and always comply with OSHA standards.

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