While people may argue about whether facemasks should be worn, the fact of the matter is that they are being mandated in and around construction sites across the country. In some cases, facemasks have contributed or caused a workplace injury. If you have been injured in a construction site accident, then make sure you speak to an attorney right away.
Potential Safety Challenges from Facemasks
While facemasks can decrease the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, they can increase the risk to construction site workers in other ways. Serious and sometimes fatal injuries can occur from mask use, including:
Obstructed vision: Different types of masks can obstruct vision or cause glasses or goggles to steam up.
Entanglement: Facemasks or bandanas can get entangled in machinery.
Asphyxiation: Homemade masks can prevent proper airflow and cause respiratory or cardiac hazards due to a severe limitation in breathing.
If a facemask has contributed to a workplace injury, then compensation may be available.
What Type of Compensation is Available for a Construction Accident?
If COVID rules and restrictions such as required masking have contributed to or caused your workplace injury, then workers’ compensation is available. In California, workers’ compensation laws are devised to provide financial help to employees hurt at work. By law, every California employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. There are two main parts to workers’ compensation insurance: medical benefits and disability pay. Medical benefits cover medical costs and recovery treatment for a workplace injury. If a workplace injury requires a hospital visit or causes more than three days of absence from work, then disability pay compensates employees at a rate of 2/3 of normal pay.
Southern California Worker’s Compensation Help is Here
If you are injured in or around Tarzana, Encino, or another neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, the Accident Defenders are here for you. We help clients across Southern California get compensated for their workplace injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call us at (323) 591-2829 or contact us online.