As a construction worker who is often on or around the roads, you know how dangerous is can be to be in your profession. Drivers in Ohio don’t always look where they’re going. Some may start rubbernecking to see what’s causing a slowdown or completely fail to see your signage to let them know a construction zone is upcoming.
Even though you try to lower the speed limit and give fair warning, many drivers don’t move over until the last minute. That’s scary, and it puts your life at risk.
For road crews, there are several different hazards to watch out for. These may include:
- Drunk drivers
- Inattentive drivers
- Drivers who show road rage or who weave into a construction zone to avoid traffic
- Speeding drivers
All of these drivers are potentially dangerous when a construction zone is present. Your team may be working on the ground, and even with your best safety gear, you may not have much protection. Fortunately, if you are hit, you should qualify for workers’ compensation and be able to get coverage for what you’ve been through.
As for drivers, there are many steps they can take to keep workers like yourself safer. Some helpful tips are to:
- Slow down in advance, meeting or decreasing the construction zone speed limit.
- Pay attention to the road, and follow the signals and orders from the construction team.
- Never drive while impaired.
- Be patient. Rushing through a construction zone is dangerous.
For workers who are hurt, workers’ compensation gives them an opportunity to seek the financial benefits that they need to cover medical care expenses and other financial losses. In the case that a worker is killed while working on the roads, then their family may have options as well. Workers’ compensation may have death benefits that cover losses such as the person’s income or funeral costs.
After any accident, it’s important that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration does investigate to determine if violations occurred. If so, then you may have an even stronger case as you seek the benefits that you deserve for your injuries.