Whether you regularly work in road construction zones or your family member is a road construction worker, it is important to understand the risks they face while performing their job duties. Sadly, many workers die in these accidents and you should review some of the common causes of fatalities in work zones. Every year, many workers in this field lose their lives, which often leaves their loved ones with tremendous emotional pain and financial problems.
Sadly, road construction is an especially dangerous field and even when workers do everything they can to stay safe, the risk of a fatal accident is always present.
Examining the common causes of work zone fatalities
According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,844 road construction workers lost their lives in work zone accidents between 2003 and 2017. Between 2011 and 2017, most of the work zone deaths (76%) involved transportation events. During this time period, 89 workers died due to backing vehicles (among 345 accidents in which the direction vehicles were traveling was reported). Moreover, SUVs and pickup trucks were involved in accidents that caused 151 road workers to lose their lives between 2011 and 2017.
Examining the hazards that road workers face
Aside from motor vehicles, road workers face many other hazards while performing their job duties. From dangerous machinery to extreme temperatures, there are other reasons why road workers sustain serious injuries and lose their lives. Sadly, these accidents will claim more lives in the coming years and cause significant suffering for the families of those who pass away.