Statistics confirm that more construction workers die in work accidents during August than any other month.
Construction is arguably the most dangerous line of work in this country, and certainly here in Illinois and Indiana. Read, What Is The Most Dangerous Job in Indiana and Illinois?.
Consider this: industry insiders warn that more construction workers died from on-the-job injuries than any other industrial worker, according to the latest data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”). Read, “Construction had the most fatalities of any industry last year,” published by Construction Dive on December 19, 2023.
The BLS tallied more construction worker deaths in work accidents than in any other industry. And, of even greater concern for safety agencies and those advocating for worker victims and their loved ones, there seems to be a growing trend in construction work fatalities as the number of deaths significantly jumped in the last reporting year. Id.
The risk of catastrophic or deadly work injuries is even greater for construction workers during the summer months, particularly now. August is recognized as the month in which more construction workers die than any other time of the year. Read, “What are the deadliest days and months for workers?” published by Safety+Health Magazine on August 24, 2022.
August is the Most Dangerous Month to Work Construction in Illinois and Indiana
Why is August the riskiest time of year for those working on jobsites involving residential construction, commercial construction, mixed-use developments, institutional projects, or road work? There are several reasons for this, all of which are recognized not only by safety agencies and those advocating for worker victims but also by those within the construction industry itself.
Architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, as well as the insurance companies providing their policy coverage know all too well the risks that come each August to our local construction workers.
Accordingly, they should be particularly vigilant to comply with established legal duties of care and safety during the month of August on all construction sites.
Summer Heat
Of course, temperatures are high here in Indiana and Illinois every August. We’re known to have record-breaking high heat during this month. Read, “How hot will it be in Illinois this summer? Here’s what the Climate Prediction Center says,” written by Patrick M. Keck and published by the Springfield State Journal- Register on June 24, 2024.
Extremely high temperatures not only cause heat-related illnesses that can harm or kill, but accidents can happen that are directly related to the worker’s exposure to a hot workplace. Construction workers, especially those working as roofers or dealing with asphalt, are especially likely to suffer bodily injury on the job during high temperatures.
Accordingly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recently issued a new “Heat Safety Law” to better help protect workers from these kinds of hazards. Read, Summer Construction Work Accident Dangers: The New OSHA Heat Safety Law.
High Number of Construction Projects
Unlike some other parts of the United States (think Florida, Arizona, or Texas), there are certain times of the year in Illinois and Indiana where the weather conditions block extended work on most construction projects. It is hard to put up a roof or to use an arc weld on a high steel structure during one of our infamous winter blizzards.
Accordingly, construction project managers will try and schedule maximum efforts to happen here during the summer months. Things may be especially busy in August, since any delays may need to be overcome with some speed before winter arrives.
Forecasts for 2024 are particularly bright for the local construction industry. It is reported that 2024 will be “…a period of robust growth in Illinois’ construction sector,” in Illinois. Read, “Illinois construction industry ‘poised for dynamic shift’ in 2024,” published by the Chicago Construction News on January 16, 2024. And the Hoosier state has enjoyed a very nice jump in construction employment in 2024. Read, “Indiana Sees 8.2% Increase in Construction Employment,” published by KPC News on August 5, 2024.
Having a greater number of construction projects on task in August with the calendar warning that the cold weather is weeks away is another factor in making things so dangerous for construction workers this month.
Pressures to get things done may mean that despite the heat, workers will be pushed to do their jobs and as a result, safety may be compromised with tragic results.
Also read:
- Extreme Heat on the Job: Danger of Severe Worker Injuries or Death
- Shocking New Federal Rule for Construction Worker Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Top Five Construction Workers Facing Greatest Risk of Summer Heat Death.
Duty to Keep Construction Workers Safe on the Construction Site
Construction workers and their loved ones need to know that there are laws on the books that mandate that safety must be prioritized for everyone on the construction site. Several different companies and individuals may have legal duties of care that are owed to all the workers on the job in August.
For details, read:
- Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Worker Accidents?
- Multiple Employers on the Construction Site: Who Is Liable For Construction Worker Accidents?
- What is the Employer’s General Duty Clause?
For those who suffer on-the-job bodily harm while working construction during August in Illinois or Indiana, it is vital they and their loved ones understand that the risks of harm are well-known for these worksites and there are legal avenues for recourse when duties of care are breached and workers are hurt. Damages may be available under various state and federal laws that include not only workers’ compensation coverage but civil injury damage claims where things like pain and suffering; loss of future earning capacity; and more may be available.
See:
- Fatal Accidents and Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Indiana and Illinois
- Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims for On-the-Job Accidents
- Damages are Different: Workers Compensation vs. Third Party Personal Injury Claims
- Loss of Consortium Damages in Illinois or Indiana Work Accidents
- Work Accident in Illinois or Indiana: Workers Compensation Claim vs. Personal Injury Damages
- Loss of Earning Capacity Damages After Accident in Illinois or Indiana
- What are Legal Damages After a Work-Related Accident in Indiana or Illinois?
This summer, workers in Bedford Park, Chicago, Merrillville and all throughout Indiana and Illinois will be asked to work in very hot temperatures and during August, there may be the added stressor of getting the project completed before a deadline passes or winter arrives. Sadly, there will be employers and others with possession, custody, or control of aspects of the jobsite that will disrespect or disregard the worker’s safety with horrific consequences. Please be careful out there!!!
