Summer is usually a time for travel and vacation, but not for many construction workers. It might surprise you that construction accidents occur far more frequently in the summer than in the fall, winter, or spring. Understanding what causes this significant increase in construction accidents and injuries is crucial if you are involved in a work-related accident.
When you are hurt on the job and need help accessing the worker’s compensation benefits or personal injury settlement you are entitled to, the claims process and benefits can be confusing. A construction accident attorney at John Foy & Associates can thoroughly investigate the cause of your injuries and help you get the most out of your case.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Summer
Summertime is the perfect time of year for construction projects. With warm weather, outdoor projects and construction work increase as workers can get outside and do the job without being inhibited by poor weather conditions such as ice, rain, sleet, snow, and wind.
However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), June, July, and August have the greatest number of on-the-job injuries. As a result of more construction projects happening during these months, there are also more construction accidents and injuries. Here are some of the top reasons why.
Seasonal Contractors
Many construction workers do not work in their profession year-round. Some employees are seasonal and should receive proper training before they start working on complex construction projects. Unfortunately, many contractors, subcontractors, and construction companies will attempt to cut corners and save money by hiring inexperienced high school or college students who do not have the training needed to perform these projects as safely as they should.
When construction workers only work seasonally, their skills may not be as sharp as those who work year-round. Many construction workers must maintain certification to have the training and skills to perform construction work safely.
Seasonal construction workers can also pose a safety hazard because they know their position is temporary. When not loyal to the company or job, apathetic construction workers are more likely to be involved in and cause catastrophic accidents and injuries.
High Demand for Products During Summertime
Construction accidents also increase in the summertime because of increased demand for certain products and services. Many home and recreational projects need to be done in the summer to avoid weather problems and ensure changes are made before the busy holiday season in the winter.
For certain construction companies, the summertime is when they make the most money. Unfortunately, this high demand often means construction workers put in longer hours. The labor-intensive work is known for causing severe physical stress, anxiety, and exhaustion, often leading to life-threatening or severe injuries when construction accidents occur.
Improperly Trained or Part-Time Employees
Another top cause of construction accidents in the summer is part-time employees or improperly trained construction workers. Many construction companies will bring on part-time or unskilled labor when their full-time construction workers go on vacation over the summer. This increased responsibility can be devastating for employees who have not been adequately trained or do not spend full-time hours doing construction work.
Employees may lack job trading, be overworked, or push themselves to do the job quickly without following construction site safety requirements and regulations. The purpose of construction foremen and leaders is to oversee not only the construction projects but also the construction workers. When leadership is on summer vacation, workers may push themselves past their limits and be unsure whether the construction site is always safe.
Dangerous Weather Conditions
More construction accidents may happen in the summer because the summer can be particularly contentious weatherwise. With excessive heat comes the risk of heat exhaustion. When construction workers suffer heat exhaustion or stroke, they may pass out, deal with severe fatigue, or suffer from weakness when attempting to complete job responsibilities.
There is also the risk of severe storms such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, and other deadly weather conditions. Construction workers may suffer life-threatening injuries or even death if they get caught in the storms. Construction companies that fail to ensure their construction workers are properly hydrated, have sufficient break times, and reduce sun exposure are more likely to see construction accidents and injuries.
Construction Accident Workers Deserve Compensation and Benefits
Construction workers who suffer injuries during the summer may have certain rights. First, if you are considered a seasonal, temporary, full-time, or part-time employee, you may have the right to worker’s compensation benefits after a construction accident. All companies with three or more employees and Georgia must carry workers comp protection coverage.
If your employer carries worker’s comp, you may have the right to specific types of benefits, including wage replacement benefits, coverage of your medical bills, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. However, if your construction company does not have worker’s comp coverage despite being required to buy it, you may have the right to sue them via a third-party liability lawsuit.
Even if you are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits and begin receiving them, if someone else’s negligence is the cause of your injuries, you may also be able to file a civil lawsuit. Generally, if you collect worker’s comp, you cannot file a lawsuit against your employer. However, if another party shares liability for the accident, you have every right to take legal action against them and recover the compensation you are owed.
Get Help from a Reputable Construction Accident Attorney Today
Construction accidents occur with alarming frequency in the summertime. Call in the Strong Arm if you suffer devastating injuries in a construction accident and do not know where to turn for help. Meet with an experienced construction accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates and get the financial help and legal support you need during one of the most challenging times in your life.
Learn more about how the construction accident claims process works, how much you could be awarded, and what to expect from your case when you contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can start today by filling out our secured contact form or calling our office.
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