With the extensive costs of medical care, and the possibility of a loss of income during recovery, suffering an injury at work can be a daunting experience. Fortunately, many of those who are injured while on the job may be eligible for relief through the workers' compensation insurance system. However, the process of applying for benefits can be complex, and individuals in Colorado who wish to pursue financial aid may find it advisable to seek assistance from an experienced attorney.
Falling objects: Reinforcing bar falls from 15th story, injures 2
Two construction workers were recently transported to the hospital after they were struck by reinforcing bars that reportedly fell from 15 stories above. Falling objects are a major concern on many job sites, and companies in Colorado and elsewhere generally seek to prevent such incidents by taking measures to ensure all equipment is properly secured. Should a heavy load come loose from the floors above, the safety of all workers below could be placed at risk in the process.
Social Security disability: Determining severity of a condition
When an individual is forced to seek out treatment for a serious health condition, it might not be uncommon for him or her to see a variety of doctors, each of whom may operate in a specific field of medicine. While this may be essential to ensuring one receives the necessary care, having to visit numerous facilities can be a stressful and challenging experience. For individuals in Colorado who become disabled and wish to apply for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance, a complex medical history could complicate the process.
Leading causes of occupational injuries in construction industry
There are a multitude of circumstances in which a dangerous workplace incident can occur. However, some tend to be more prevalent than others, and recent reports suggest that one of the leading causes of occupational injuries for construction workers in Colorado and elsewhere lies in caught-in, caught between accidents. With an alarming portion of these incidents resulting in serious injuries or death, addressing any hazards in the workplace could be essential to employee safety.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests that the majority of construction accidents fall under four types of incidents. These include falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions and caught-in, caught-between incidents. When it comes to the latter, the majority of incidents involve a worker who was either crushed by a collapse of materials or caught up in construction equipment.
Permanent disability: Man loses legs during workplace incident
Workplace safety is a serious concern for many companies in Colorado and elsewhere, regardless of the their field of operation. However, certain professions are inherently more dangerous than others, such as those that require employees to work with heavy duty machinery. Accidents involving machines can have disastrous consequences and in some cases, they may lead to permanent disability. A recent workplace incident in another state has reportedly led to a need to amputate a man's legs.
According to investigating officials, the incident took place when two workers were performing maintenance on an auger screw conveyor at a foundry. While one of the workers was retrieving a light from within the machine, officials suggest that another employee energized the auger for testing purposes. The worker subsequently became caught in the conveyor, and emergency responders were forced to amputate his legs to free him.
1 killed in construction accident after forklift overturns
Heavy duty machines such as forklifts may be a common sight on many job sites in Colorado and elsewhere. These machines are used to lift and transport a variety of materials, and the heavier a load, the less stable a forklift might become. Should such a machine become unstable, nearby workers could be placed at risk in the process. A 46-year-old man was killed in a recent construction accident after a forklift reportedly overturned and pinned him against another vehicle.
The incident reportedly took place on a recent Saturday at around 3 p.m. as the forklift was carrying a load of scaffolding pipes across a job site. While transporting the load, the machine suddenly became unstable and overturned for reasons unknown. According to reports, a worker was walking next to the forklift at the time, and he was subsequently pinned between the machine and a nearby flatbed truck.
Fallen window results in serious workplace injury for 1
Individuals in Colorado may face a variety of hazards in the workplace each day, some of which may depend on the field in which they are employed. However, certain risks, such as falling objects, can be present in a multitude of professions, and these can pose a serious threat to the health of an individual. A 45-year-old man reportedly suffered a serious workplace injury in a recent construction accident after a window fell from above and struck him.
The incident reportedly took place just before 8 a.m. on a recent Monday while the man was performing work at the site of a renovation project. According to reports, a window frame suddenly fell from the fourth floor of the building and struck him, subsequently pinning him to the ground. Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders rushed him to a medical facility for treatment of severe injuries.
Fatal construction accident caused by trench collapse
Working around unstable ground is a concern for many construction workers in Colorado and across the nation. When a job-site requires the use of a trench, ensuring the proper precautions are taken is a must, as failing to do so could result in a catastrophic accident. A man has died following a recent construction accident during which he reportedly became entrapped in a trench that wasn't properly shored.
The incident took place on a recent Monday at around 1:30 p.m. as the man was performing job-related duties at a building that was scheduled for demolition. According to reports, the man suddenly became entrapped in the trench, and nearby workers claim they could hear him calling out. Emergency personnel responded to the scene soon thereafter, but they were unable to rescue him from the trench, and were instead tasked with attempting to recover his body.
Regular inspections may help cut down on occupational injuries
Regardless of their chosen profession, many individuals in Colorado and elsewhere may face a variety of hazards at the workplace. Reducing the amount of risks present in work-related environments is a goal that many companies share. Although eliminating every potential safety risk can be an arduous task, companies may be able to take steps to reduce the chances of serious occupational injuries by taking the necessary measures.
When it comes to identifying hazards, regular inspections can go a long way in promoting a safer work environment. Marking potentially hazardous areas with signs and warnings could help employees notice these areas and prevent a disaster from taking place. While potential hazards can come in a variety of forms, there are some areas in the workplace that may require more attention than others.
Street sweeper injures 2 during recent construction accident
For construction workers in Colorado who perform job-related tasks on the side of the road, the danger of an accident is ever-present. All it takes is one moment of inattention on the part of a driver, and the health and safety of a worker could be placed in jeopardy. Two men were hospitalized in a recent construction accident when they were thrown into a trench after the driver of a street sweeper failed to notice a nearby hose.
According to investigating officials, the incident occurred at around 12:30 a.m. on a recent Friday when the vehicle swept up a hose upon approaching a construction site. This caused the vehicle to drag the hose toward the workers, subsequently knocking them down and causing them to fall several feet into a nearby trench. Both workers were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries, including broken bones and fractured ribs.
