Anyone in the construction field in Kentucky should be aware of the top safety hazards they face during the summer. The top five are given below, and one can immediately see how many of them are connected to each other.
The first four are fatigue, heat-related illness, dehydration and protracted sun exposure. When workers become fatigued in the heat, they begin to lose focus, react more slowly to dangers and make bad judgment calls. If they are under the sun for too long, they may get a sunburn and, in the long run, increase their risk for skin cancer. They may develop heat stress, too, which refers to conditions like heat rash and heat stroke.
Employers can manage these risks through a few steps. Simple ones include giving workers plenty of hydrating fluids and providing ample break time in the shade. If possible, employers can adjust workers’ shifts to allow them to work during the cooler parts of the day. Workers should wear the appropriate PPE to protect their ears and the back of their neck in particular.
The last danger has to do with roadside construction zones. To prevent vehicles from speeding through them, employers can put up reduced speed limit signs. Barriers should be used to demarcate the zone, and workers should be supplied with safety vests.
Those who are injured on the job have a choice between filing for workers compensation and filing a personal injury claim. They cannot pursue the latter course if the employer was not at fault or did everything possible to provide a safe work environment. As for the first option, workers compensation may reimburse victims for medical costs and some of their lost wages. If they choose this option, they may want legal assistance. They might need to file an appeal.