Proven. Experienced Trial Attorneys

Fatigue plays a role in many construction site accidents

On Behalf of | Jan 19, 2021 | Construction Site Accident Injuries |

Following a May 2020 study involving 1,015 respondents nationwide, including Tennessee, researchers determined that workers in many industries arrive at work fatigued. This leads to a lot of preventable accidents, many of which happen in construction. Along with typical hazards like working at heights, in trenches, and sharing the work area with heavy equipment and vehicles, fatigue could be deadly on any construction site.

The National Sleep Foundation says sleep deprivation increases the workplace accident risk by 70%. Reportedly, the high unemployment rates, the global pandemic, health risks, and racial and social injustices and protests are all reasons for sleeping problems. Safety authorities say the effects of fatigue are similar to alcohol, with the same level of poor performance and impaired judgment.

Fatigue leads to improper enforcement of safety protocols. Risk-taking and poor decision-making are typical, and motor skills become impaired. Sleep deprivation also affects the memory and processing of memory in construction workers. Falling asleep at work is a significant risk, which is highly likely in shift workers. Furthermore, fatigued workers struggle when they have to deal with stress.

Fortunately, the Tennessee workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system that pays benefits regardless of who was at fault. However, it is crucial to report a construction site injury as soon as possible to ensure the benefits claim is filed within the time limit. Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover all the medical expenses related to work-related injuries, and if the injuries cause temporary disability, a portion of lost wages will form a part of the compensation. When an injury causes permanent disability, additional benefits might be awarded

FindLaw Network