As per the figures reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on 31st March, 2023, 18,510 people met with some health problems with their eyes. These problems were caused by sickness or injury and resulted in the workers missing at least one day of work. These issues led to at least one day of missed employment in the year ending 2020. In the year 2020, 2,120 of these injuries or illnesses took place in the construction trades and 1,860 of them occurred among movers. 31.1 percent of eye injuries and illnesses among construction trades workers were caused by construction laborers.
Eye injuries in construction sites can suddenly happen a moment away. U.S. law gives construction workers a number of ways to get legal help if they hurt their eyes on the job. Almost every time, workers who are hurt on the job can get workers’ compensation benefits, which can pay for medical care, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits, even if the employer wasn’t at fault.
An injured construction worker may occasionally have a cause of action beyond Workers’ Compensation where evidence clearly indicates that an injury was a result of defective equipment, unsafe conditions, or possibly third-party liability. In such cases, additional claims may be made to assist in reimbursement of medical treatment and recovery of financial losses.
Let’s discuss the legal rights workers have in case they sustain eye injuries at construction sites.
Common Causes of Eye Injuries on Construction Sites
If you work in construction, be aware of some of the common causes of eye injury so that you can avoid them. One such dangerous problem is the flying debris in the form of wood chips, metal fragments, etc. These things can easily cause damage when they come into contact with the eyes.
The dust and particles generated by cutting or grinding activities can inadvertently get into your eye and cause injury. Material splashes such as concrete or solvents are yet another threat when one least expects them. With the given projects ruled by the use of power tools, the probability of eye harm occurring by accident cannot be overemphasized. Bright lights and glare can cause temporary vision difficulties.
Effective Prevention Strategies for Eye Injuries
Guaranteeing safety on the construction site should be an integral practice. By employing successful preventative strategies, severe injuries are significantly decreased in incidence.
Wearing either goggles or face shields to protect the eyes and face against real or possible hazards is very strongly recommended for builders at construction work sites. It is most advisable for safety purposes for any selection of eyewear to fit perfectly and at least meet safety standards. All workers involved in any operation throwing objects should prepare, organize, and keep the area clean for your safety.
Be wary of potential hazards surrounding you, and discuss a preventive measure with your colleagues. Regular checks should be carried out on your tools and equipment, which should further be performed accurately to confirm if they still work according to industry standards.
Employer Responsibilities for Preventing Eye Injuries
A big part of guaranteeing workplace safety for employees is the employer. It is the employer’s duty to provide for a safe atmosphere. The employer must bear the task of making baseline hazard assessments and keeping necessary machinery, such as safety glasses or goggles, available to the worker against a specified risk.
Employers need to train workers for safety at work. They are also responsible for keeping their workplaces up to industry standards. Employers should see to it that protective equipment is provided to employees. Employers should also work efficiently at communication with their workers/employees so that they can report unsafe work conditions without any fear.
Regular audits of safety and protocol inclusions can help augment the degree of protection further.
What Are Your Rights If You Get an Eye Injury at Work?
According to Snellville personal injury attorney John R. Bartholomew, a victim can be compensated if the injury was caused by someone else. The other party can be a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or even a property owner.
As a worker, you are entitled to receiving medical treatment, with the employer paying for doctor visits and necessary procedures. You should report the injury without fear of the employer’s retaliation.
The injured worker can bring a personal injury claim if the employer was physically negligent in causing the injury. Document everything concerning the event and seek legal advice in case such clarifications are necessary. Your lawyer will inform you that you have a right to redress and just compensation.
Steps to Take If You Suffer an Eye Injury on the Job
No one would want to experience an eye injury when at work, but by following the proper steps when it happens, it is quite possible for one to recover. Immediate attention should be sought, even for an ostensibly straightforward injury, so that your vision might be assessed properly by a medical professional. You should notify the supervisor as soon as they reach the site and a record of the occurrence at hand should be kept. The document should include the circumstances regarding the injury.
if available, take photographs. Collect witness statements in support of your case. Follow all the recommendations by your physician to complete treatment and your recovery. Keep track of all visits to your doctor and the expenditure. Discuss your situation with a compensation attorney so he or she can explain your rights completely. Your attorney will help you receive what you need in the context of benefits for your injury. Your future is protected by taking all these actions.
Eye injuries can cause significant inconvenience, particularly in construction environments. Understanding your rights is important, as it can significantly impact your future. It is just fair that you receive appropriate medical attention and all the full support as soon as you have suffered such injuries.
Always have proper documentation and see an attorney for legal protection. Understanding the common causes and prevention plans can contribute to making your sphere of work a safe place, not just for yourself but also for many of your fellow workers. Stay informed. Stay safe. Do not allow injuries to deter you.
