Construction Sites and Workers Compensation

Every profession has the opportunity for job related injuries. However, due to the nature of their work, construction workers are especially likely to be injured while on the job. They handle dangerous pieces of equipment, hazardous materials, perform electrical work, operate at precarious heights, and in ditches. Add this to fatigue related injuries associated with physical labor, and construction worker safety is no joke. As a contractor, it’s important to have proper coverage for all your employees.

Implement Safety Training

The first step to protect yourself, your employees, and your subcontractors is to implement a policy of on-going safety training. OSHA and the Department of Labor reported that over 800 construction workers died due to an incident on a worksite in 2014. Construction’s “fatal four” (falls, electrocutions, being struck by an object, and being caught in machines) are responsible for the majority of these deaths. While it is harder to track injuries, it is estimated that as many as 4 out of every 100 construction workers are injured each year. An educational element and rigidly enforced best practices are part of your company’s preventive safety measures.

How Workers Compensation Protects You and Yours

Unfortunately, safety training, inspections, and best practices won’t eliminate all injuries. This is where Workers’ Compensation Insurance comes in to play. Workers Comp is insurance which provides medical benefits for injured employees and helps to cover wage replacement costs. In turn, the employee is relinquishing his or her right to sue you for negligence. Workers Comp is required for all businesses, though specific rules differ between states.

Reducing Your Workers Compensation Costs

As a construction company, workers comp is going to be a big part of your business. However, you can still reduce your costs by way of the Experience Modification Factor. Once you’ve implemented the safety training already discussed, you need to generate communication between management and labor forces to help identify safety issues on the site. Each job site should be treated as its own unique safety hazard. If an injury occurs, make sure immediate and comprehensive medical treatment is made readily available. The idea is to avoid any injuries so your workers are safe, happy, and healthy. Finally, try to get your worker back to work as soon as he is physically well. Make sure to fill out all forms for your insurance agency and document anything that occurs.

No matter how good your training, education, communication, and management team are, you will not eliminate all injuries. It’s vital to have a good policy for when an injury does occur. If you would like to review your policy to make sure it meets Massachusetts laws and provides adequate coverage for your potential risk, be sure to contact us at H&K Insurance, in Watertown, MA.

John Herlihy has served the H & K Insurance Agency Inc. clients since 1982. John, the Vice President, is engaged in all phases of the agency’s operations and management. He is dedicated to providing excellent service. John’s professional designation of CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) signifies to clients a competent professional and their assurance of quality assistance with their insurance needs.