Growing concern for workers in construction zones

The warmer months often mean more construction on the roads in states like Michigan. But no matter what time of year it is, vehicles are often traveling through and near worksites. This could create risks for both drivers and workers. If a driver is not paying adequate attention or is traveling too fast in a work zone, a serious construction accident could be the result.

During the recent National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Michigan Department of Transportation released recent statistics regarding serious injuries in work zones in order to provide awareness for motorists. According to these reports, the numbers nearly doubled from 2012 to 2013.

There is a growing concern for those traveling through and working in work zones. MDOT expresses that the rules remain the same in work zones and work-free zones. Drivers should always watch their speeds, avoid texting while driving and watch their distance from other vehicles. While traveling in work zones, drivers should be prepared to slow down or stop. They should also watch their distance between their vehicle and workers.

If a workplace accident were to occur at a construction site, the injured worker might be able to file for workers’ compensation. This benefit could help the worker recover from injuries by covering medical bills and the cost of rehabilitation. Furthermore, if they endure lost wages due to their injury, they could have those covered as well.

When a worker is injured on the job, it is important that they recover so they can return to work. In order to recover properly, they might need to take time to rehabilitate. This could cause bills to stack up. Understanding the workers’ compensation process and timeline is important for all Michigan residents.

Source: Detroit News, “Caution in work zones keeps drivers safe, too,” Tom Greenwood, April 10, 2014