More women are choosing to work in the New Jersey construction industry, and they face unique safety concerns as compared to their male coworkers. Because of these unique risks, it is important for companies to have programs in place that are focused on minimizing the potential harms that are faced by women.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently announced that it has renewed its partnership with the National Association of Women in Construction for another five years. The NAWIC was formed in 1955 to represent the interests of female construction workers, and today the organization represents more than 4,000 women.
OSHA and the NAWIC will concentrate on identifying ways to reduce the hazards that women face. Women have unique needs in the areas of finding appropriate personal protective safety equipment, addressing sanitation practices, and reducing workplace intimidation and violence. The alliance hopes that by focusing on these areas, the organizations might be able to reduce the number of injuries that women suffer on the job each year.
When people are injured in a construction site accident while they are working, they have the right to file workers’ compensation claims with their employers’ insurance carriers. All employers in the state are required to carry this type of insurance for the protection of their workers. Injured workers may file benefits claims without having to prove fault. Coverage may be available to pay for all of the related medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. If the victims are left with permanent or temporary disabilities, they may also be able to recover monthly disability benefits to replace portions of their former incomes. An attorney may be able to help an injured worker claim these benefits or litigate in court if the benefits are denied.
