Safety authorities nationwide, including in Colorado, have often mentioned the concerns over workers’ injuries and fatalities in highway construction zones. Now, after one more worker’s death in another state, the voice of the employees was also heard. Road construction workers are typically concerned about being injured at work and their abilities to care for their families.
According to authorities, a big-rig crashed into a pickup truck at a construction zone, causing the death of a maintenance worker. This was just one of many construction zone accidents that left surviving family members destitute. Authorities say the warmer seasons typically have motorists rushing through work zones, unfocused on their surroundings.
One worker with 10 years of experience in road construction says while working on hundreds of projects related to roads, sidewalks and bridges over the years, he feels more threatened now than ever in the past. He probably speaks on behalf of many other workers when he says drivers no longer show any concern for construction workers’ safety. He says he wishes all drivers would consider the dangers these workers face and slow down when they move through construction zones.
While road construction workers in Colorado fear for their safety at work, their families need to know that they will be entitled to compensation should a loved one be fatally injured at work. Death benefits are available for surviving families to assist with the unanticipated expenses of funerals and burials as well as lost income. They do not have to navigate the claims process on their own because experienced workers’ compensation attorneys are available to provide the necessary support and guidance.
Source: kwqc.com, “After another work zone fatality, construction zone safety remains a growing concern“, Terrace Myles, April 4, 2017
