Bettendorf Workers' Compensation Blog

Whether you go to work in an office every day or applied for a construction job because you like to be outdoors and building things, like most Iowa workers, you have probably gotten so used to your job that you could do some of it blindfolded. While it's good to be skilled and knowledgeable about your work, it can also be dangerous because you might fall into the bad habit of taking safety for granted.  

Your employer, of course, is obligated to provide information, training and equipment to keep you and your co-workers safe on the job. Some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others; however, no matter where you work, you are at risk for injury if an accident occurs. Some of the most common workplace accidents can happen just about anywhere.  

If you are a construction worker in Iowa, you will likely know that you should never work at an elevated level without a fall protection harness. However, have you received training in the proper use of such a harness? Do you know that, even if it arrests your fall, your life may still be at risk? Suspension trauma could cause your death if you hang in the harness for too long.

The purpose of a fall harness and its lanyards is to prevent you from striking the ground or another surface at a lower level. Once it has succeeded in that role, the harness can become a life-threatening hazard.

If you are a construction worker in Iowa, you will likely put your life on the line every time you have a task that involves working at an elevated level. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, three of the top 10 safety violations every year involve working at heights. The agency says ladders, scaffolds and the lack of fall protection feature in a significant number of construction workers' benefits claims for workers' compensation.

You might not realize that, although it is dangerous to work at the height of 30 feet, the same risks exist for anyone working at heights of six or 10 feet. In fact, OSHA says more fatal falls happen from lower elevations. This might be because those at 30 feet and higher recognize the danger and take precautions while workers at lower elevations think they are safe and take no precautions.

Safety authorities in Iowa, like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, expect your employer to protect your health and safety in your Iowa workplace. However, it might be a good idea to take some precautions yourself, instead of relying on your boss, who might focus more on profits than employee safety. You can be a victim of an occupational injury or illness regardless of the industry in which you work.

If you should slip or trip and fall and strike your head against a hard object, you could suffer traumatic brain injuries whether you are on a construction site or in an office. The same applies to strains and sprains from lifting heavy objects in any workplace.