Every year, thousands of construction workers are killed on the job – nearly 5,000 in 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Non-fatal work injuries related to employment in construction result in more than 1.6 million hours of lost work each year, and many of these injuries wind up becoming long-term or even permanent disabilities. 
If you own a construction company or if you’re a construction worker, having adequate insurance is essential: not only for your physical health, but for your financial health as well.
To help workers stay safe on the job, here’s a quick list of safety tips developed specifically for the construction industry:
- When getting on and off equipment, use a firm stance and visually check the placement of your hands and feet. Wear proper gloves and footwear, and make sure you have a full grip and foothold before climbing on or off. Also check the ground for signs of mud or puddles.
- Steer clear of work sites where you are not directly involved in the work being performed. Watching a job as it unfolds can become second habit, especially if you’re waiting for your turn to complete your task, but it exposes you to unnecessary risks from the equipment in use.
- Be aware of buried cables as well as power lines and other dangers overhead, and plan for the clearance requirements of your equipment before entering an area with an overhead hazard.
- Stay well away from loads being lifted, and know the swing clearance of the machinery being used, marking it off for added safety.
- Always wear a seat belt when using machinery. If the machine begins to tip, your seatbelt or harness becomes your lifeline. Don’t skip buckling up just because a job seems “quick” or wearing one seems like too much bother.
In Florida, workers’ compensation insurance is required for nearly every type of employment, including the construction industry. As an employee, workers’ comp provides important reimbursement coverage for medical costs, including both initial and ongoing medical treatments, as well as compensation for lost wages during the recovery period. For those providing employment, workers’ comp insurance offers critical protection against costly litigation.
But workers’ comp is just one of the many types of insurance you need to consider if you’re involved in the construction industry. As a business owner, you also need liability insurance, property insurance, business vehicle insurance and other types of business-related insurance focused on your specific business needs. As an employee, you may want to have additional health or life insurance just in case the unexpected suddenly happens and you’re left with low financial reserves.
If you’re in the construction business, Atlantic Pacific Insurance can help make sure you have the right amount of coverage for your needs. Call us today for a review of your current coverage.
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