Construction work continues to rank high in the category of dangerous jobs. Only transportation and warehousing rank higher in categories for severe injuries and on-the-job fatalities. The National Safety Council found that the industry unfortunately accounted for the most number of deaths since 2012.
Steps to take following an on-the-job accident
As with any industry, injuries or illnesses suffered while working qualify you for worker’s compensation benefits. While your employer and their insurance carrier must take specific steps post-accident, you also have certain responsibilities, starting with reporting the accident within two years. More serious injuries necessitate immediate notification.
Other requirements include:
- Following a traumatic accident, you should immediately report the event to your supervisor/foreman; time is of the essence, regardless of the injury’s severity or whether it requires medical attention
- An on-site accident, particularly in the construction industry, mandates immediate medical care, including first aid, scheduling a doctor appointment, or going immediately to an emergency room
- Maintain all relevant medical and payment records.
- For occupational exposure injuries (someone’s job duties over time), report a potential injury as soon as you or your doctor believe your job duties played a role in your medical condition.
The responsibility of your employer
Once you have taken all the necessary steps, your employer must notify their insurance carrier or claims administrator about a pending claim. A report is then submitted to the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division from there.
Upon establishment of your claim, your care (for a traumatic injury) should stay open for six years from the day of the injuries or the final payment, whichever is later. Other types of claims are “open” for longer periods; for occupational exposure injuries, the statute of limitations is 12 years.
