Unfortunately, many construction workers are injured and killed in Ohio and across the country each year. Some advocate groups have asked drivers to pay more attention when they are passing through a construction zone, hoping to lower the risk of construction accidents occurring for workers who spend their time repairing and rebuilding roads.
With more than 70 percent of the fatalities in both private-sector and public-sector roadwork involving motor vehicles, it’s no wonder that advocacy groups are hoping motorists will drive more diligently when they are going through roadwork. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 91 road workers lost their lives while on the job in 2010.
While most fatalities involve a motor vehicle striking a worker, other construction accidents can involve equipment malfunctions and mistakes. Construction equipment has also rolled onto individuals, likely injuring or killing them.
According to some, roughly one out of every 10 construction workers are injured while working each year. In spite of this statistic, the number of workplace fatalities in the construction business has decreased over the past four years. With a nearly 20-percent decrease, many are praising the safety measures that have been taken in recent times.
One such safety policy involves the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They run a program called “Safety Pays” which helps companies realize that by implementing certain safety-related programs and policies, they can save money in the long-run despite the costs of implementation because occupational diseases and injuries are more likely to be avoided.
Source: The Daily Journal, “Drivers have to be alert and slow down in roadwork zones,” Tom Digangi, Jr., Sept. 24, 2011