The beginning of spring heralds the start of construction season for those in California and elsewhere. While this is good for your paycheck, it may be bad for your safety, if you are not aware of the risks you face working in the construction industry.

Whether working on a new office building or improving the roads, outdoor construction comes with unique hazards. These may include the following:

• You could get struck by a construction vehicle or in an accident while driving a truck on near your worksite.
• Falling debris, including bricks or heavy tools, could hit you at your worksite. A hard hat may provide some protection but does not guarantee you will escape injury.
• You could fall into a trench that was not properly barricaded or marked.
• Fresh rain can present an electrocution hazard if you work near electrical lines or with power tools.

As you know, working in construction presents risks every day. One out of every five workplace fatalities occurred in the construction industry in 2016, reports the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration. There were 991 deaths of construction workers that year, making up 21.1 percent of the entire workforce. These figures serve as a reminder of the importance of observing safety standards at all times when you are on the job.

Workers’ compensation insurance is meant to cover your expenses if you are injured at work, which can include your medical bills, lost wages and long-term expenses for a debilitating injury. The information in this blog is meant to educate you but should not replace the advice of an attorney.