During the recent National Work Zone Awareness Week, a road construction worker in another state spoke out about the hazards they face. This man was a victim of one of many construction workers’ accidents that occur in Ohio and other states every year. Safety authorities say each motorist or truck operator must take additional care when passing through construction zones.
The man said that, despite numerous warning signs to warn a woman about the presence of workers in a road work area, her vehicle veered into the work zone. He was right in front of her when her vehicle struck him, injuring both his knees. This man is a crew leader who says that construction zone workers must focus on their jobs while, at the same time, maintaining awareness of each vehicle that moves past.
He says when 40-ton big rigs race past at 70 mph, the orange hazard cones are the only things between the workers and these life-threatening hazards on wheels. The man noted that their jobs are incredibly stressful because they work in life-or-death situations all the time. Regardless of the quality and frequency of the safety training construction workers receive, the only control they have over motorists is the posting of warning signs, which are ignored by many drivers.
Victims of construction workers’ accidents in Ohio who are fortunate enough to survive often suffer life-changing injuries. They might find comfort in knowing that the workers’ compensation insurance program will provide financial assistance. They can file benefits claims, and the support and guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney may prove invaluable, including the possibility of civil claims for monetary damages against negligent third parties. Medical expenses and lost wages are typically included in workers’ comp benefits, and additional coverage might be awarded when injuries lead to permanent disabilities.
Source: kltv.com, “Construction worker who has been hit by car explains the dangers of distracted driving“, Brenna Burger, April 13, 2018