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Construction contractors are at risk in hazardous environments on a day-to-day basis. Although some of their duties are easy, they often work on elevated platforms and operate heavy machinery. While practicing safety in construction is crucial, unexpected incidents can happen in seconds.
The Importance of Workers’ Compensation
Injuries are common on construction sites and often arise in tedious and exhausting situations. Unfortunately, workers don’t have sufficient protection to keep them safe while performing dangerous tasks. A hard hat, goggles, and workman’s gloves are barely enough to shield a worker from physical harm. Despite precautions, they still need insurance in case they suffer a workplace injury.
Workers’ compensation is essential for contractors who use their physical strength to handle specific operations. Daily actions such as loading (and unloading) materials, debris removal, and structural duties can take a toll on a worker’s health.
What Are Some Advantages of Insurance?
Construction sites are high-risk workplaces. Therefore, whether as an independent contractor or a union employee, a worker could receive financial assistance should they face endangerment on the job. Not only does planning ahead of time prepare them for the worst, but it also could benefit their loved ones. Three types of coverage are available, and each pertains to a specific situation.
Wage Replacement
If workers suffer an injury on a site, they’re eligible to replace their wages for missed workdays. This coverage ensures compensation despite not having met a particular quota of hours per week. Or for the duration of a worker’s absence according to the severity of their injury.
Occupational illnesses are typical in the construction industry due to chemical exposure. They either develop gradually or progress quickly depending on the individual. A sick worker is also eligible to receive the wage benefit if they’re no longer able to work. Four ailments meet the criteria for an ill worker to receive recurring payouts:
- Asthma
- Pulmonary Emphysema
- Lung Cancer
- Tuberculosis
An employer is accountable if they intentionally assign a contractor to a contaminated work site. Also, any existing health hazards could deem a particular location as inoperable. However, some companies are dismissive of their employees’ well-being despite the dangers of specific projects.
Medical Benefits
Without insurance, expenses can be an obstacle to obtain medical care in general. An employee would have to provide proof of a debilitating condition that restricts them from managing assignments efficiently. However, documentation of a disability or disease is substantial to receive benefits.
Death Benefits
Tragically, many accidents result in fatalities on construction sites. Serious incidents such as falls, electrocution, and equipment collapses are three infamous causes of death. Not all active construction employees consider the risks, and only one mistake can end their employment or life.
Designated beneficiaries could receive financial support if death takes place while a worker is on the job. Otherwise, it would be necessary for a loved one to take legal action. Furthermore, if the decedent had never made preparations before their demise, a close relative is a suitable recipient.
As you can see, construction workers are essential professionals who should be cautious about their safety. Financial protection is sensible to ensure they receive compensation for the deterioration of their health or a career-ending injury.
