Workers Compensation – Building – Construction Accidents
Workers Compensation Building & Construction Industry Injuries
The construction industry is known as one of the most high-risk industries in New South Wales. A construction site is full of hazards and risks which, lead to thousands of injuries, and even fatalities annually.
This industry is made up of any workers involved in construction, alteration and demolition of buildings and other structures.
Since 2013, over 25,000 workers were injured on constructions sites. Of these 25,000 workers, over 1700 were left permanently disabled and unfortunately, 23 workers were killed.
At Walker Law Group, we have years of experience dealing with workers compensation claims in the area of Building and Construction. Did you know that you may be eligible for worker’s compensation if you are injured on your way to the work site? We are a Specialised legal practice, meaning that we focus solely on compensation and personal injury law. For this reason, we know exactly how to structure and fight your case to ensure the most successful result possible.
If you are a building or construction worker that has been injured on site or on your way to work, then contact us to find out if you have a case.
Construction work code of practice
A code of practice provide a practical guide on how to fulfil work health and safety standards in particular workplace in Australia. There is a code of practice which is specifically targeted at the construction industry. This code of practice outlines all the information that you need to know about identifying, managing and controlling risk on construction sites. It can be found on the Safe Work NSW website. While the code of practise is there to guide those involved in the industry, there are still many instances of worker injuries in the construction industry each year.
How many workers are injured in NSW?
The number of workers in the construction injury has grown hugely, with a 33% increase over the last 11 years. The majority of workers in the construction industry are classed as employees under the workers compensation scheme.
As mentioned previously, in the last 3 years, over 25,000 workers were injured on construction sites. 1700 were permanently disabled and sadly, 23 died.
In the 2013- 2014 financial year, the construction industry was the third highest industry with employment injuries, with 3226 injuries during the year. The incidence rate for injuries was 11.4%.
In the same year, there were 5 fatalities related to working in construction. There were also, 37 occupational disease fatalities. The most common occupational diseases in the construction injury was deafness, with 238 employees making claims in 2013-2014. 35 construction workers made claims related to mental illness.
Out of every 100 workers employed in the construction industry, there were 11.9 claims.
During 2013- 2014, the construction industry represented 11% or $289 million of total compensation payments.
What types of injuries do these workers suffer?
The main causes of industry to workers in the building and construction industry are:
- Body stressing
- Falls, trips and slips
- Hit by moving objects
While the main causes for fatalities in this industry are:
- Falls from height
- Vehicle incidents
- Contact with electricity
In New South Wales, between the years of 2002 and 2014, the majority of workplace deaths occurred as a result of the following incidents:
- Falls from height (37%)
- Vehicle Collision (15%)
- Contact with electricity (16%)
- Being hit by moving objects (12%)
- Being hit by falling objects (7%)
How injuries are avoided
There is legislation and codes of practice which exist to help employers and workers avoid work place injury, however, the sad fact is that sometimes, risk which may avoided, are not.
Our approval with Workers Compensation Independent Review Office
The Workers Compensation Independent Review Office, commonly referred to as WIRO was established by the NSW Government in 2012 as part of the worker’s compensations scheme reform.
WIRO has 4 main functions including:
- A solution service for injured workers; and
- An independent legal assistance review service which provides workers with grants to seek independent legal advice; and
- An employer complaints services which provides employers with assistance for resolving claims against their insurer; and
- An inquiry service which takes answers inquiries about issues arising from workers compensation legislation.
We have been approved by WIRO as legal service providers. This means that WIRO has recognised that we work on workers compensation matters regularly. It also means that we can apply for grants that may cover independent legal advice that we will provide to you. These grants cover our professional fees and disbursements.
Another important part of our association with WIRO is that they audit our legal files. This keeps us accountable and transparent for both our clients and WIRO.
Why choose us?
Walker Law Group is not your typical law firm. We are passionate about fighting your case and will use our innovative and personal touch to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process. We are by headed Steve Walker, a Law Society Accredited Specialist in personal injury law. In order to become a Law Society Accredited Specialist in any area of law, you must go through a rigorous peer assessment process, to prove that you one of the best in your field.
As mentioned previously, we are also members of the panel of select Workers Compensation Lawyers that deal directly with the Workers Compensation Independent Review Office, also known as WIRO.
Our no win, no fee policy means that you won’t be out of pocket. Our fees are paid by Workcover, you will never be out of pocket.
If you have a potential compensation or personal injury claim, then you will want Walker Law Group on your side. You can find us at www.walkerlawgroup.com.au. Contact us on 1300 363 013 or email enquiry@walkerlawgroup.com.au.
