Is My Job Just Too Dangerous to Keep?

By Melanie Fleury Last updated Jul 31, 2013 21

The construction industry has been experiencing a surge of business over the past few years, and this has helped to create a lot of new jobs. Unfortunately, working in construction is also often referred to as one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in the country. According to www.construction-accident-attorney.net, the construction industry is responsible for more workplace injuries than any other occupation. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of a construction career before you accept a new job. After all, steady work is something that everyone wants, but it might come with too high of a risk.

The Pros of Working in Construction:

1. Job Security – Because there has been an increase in new construction projects nationwide, it is now relatively easy for a skilled construction worker to retain their job for an extended period of time. This is definitely an attractive benefit due to the fact that the overall U.S. economy is still in a slow recovery period.

2. Livable Wages – The average construction worker makes approximately $42,000 a year, but many supervisory positions pay well over $60,000. When you consider the cost of living, it becomes easy to understand why so many qualified individuals choose to work their way up in the construction industry.

3. Physical Fitness – Most construction jobs help people get into better shape, and this is a big draw for some workers. After all, you will be able to get a lot of exercise during your workday, and this can have a dramatic impact on your overall health.

The Cons of Working in Construction:

1. Health Issues – Although working in construction can definitely help you get into shape, it can also cause serious health issues if you are not careful. For example, construction workers who are doing a renovation project might be exposed to high levels of asbestos, and it is also possible to sustain a long-term back injury from repetitive motions.

2. Dangerous Work – Each sector of the construction industry is different, but the overall fatality ratio is higher than the majority of other U.S. based jobs. For example, steelworkers deal with a fatality rate of 45.5 for every 100,000 employees. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that 10 percent of all construction workers are injured annually.

3. Weather Conditions – Working on a construction site will expose you to every conceivable weather condition, and your crew is unlikely to stop for the day because it is extremely hot or cold. Instead, you are going to need to keep moving in order to hit your deadline.

Unfortunately, even if you do everything correctly, you might end up needing to file a lawsuit to get your medical expenses taken care of. Expenses can include immediate medical attention as well as long term rehabilitation. Therefore, you should contact a construction accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your rights. If you are injured on the job, it will be imperative to follow all of your company’s injury reporting guidelines, and you will also need to go to their preferred clinic. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in the denial of your workers’ compensation claim.

Melanie Fleury’s brother passed away from a work related accident several years ago. The attorneys at www.construction-accident-attorney.net know that many accidents happen on construction sites due to negligence, carelessness, or lack of attention to the rules. Construction accidents often happen in day to day routine activities. Following safety rules and being attentive of your surroundings can help you to avoid being hurt.