Archive for April, 2017

Rhode Island Roofers and Waterproofers Face Risks of On-the-Job Injury

Massachusetts workers' compensation attorneyRoofers and waterproofers have physically demanding jobs and are often exposed to the hazardous elements. Their professions require them to work in all sorts of weather conditions and their work may be performed at high elevations, or with a variety of dangerous industrial chemicals.

Like most in the construction business, roofers and waterproofers face a disproportionately high risk of being hurt or killed at work. If injured while acting in the course or scope of employment, that worker may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. In the event of a work-related death, family may be entitled to benefits as well.

These benefits can provide coverage for treating all medical conditions associated with the injuries sustained while doing roofing work or waterproofing work. Disability income is also available when injuries temporarily or permanently impact a workers’ ability to do the job. These benefits can be very important to avoiding financial loss, so any roofer or waterproofer who is injured should strongly consider talking with a workers’ compensation lawyer to understand and protect their rights.

Additionally, a lawyer may help the worker assert third-party liability in the event a non-employer on the construction site was negligent in causing the accident or contributing to the extent of one’s injuries. These third-party liability claims are not limited to lost income and coverage of medical bills the way workers’ compensation claims are. In a third-party liability lawsuit, a worker can claim non-economic damages, including those for pain and suffering.

Risks to Roofers and Waterproofers of Getting Hurt at Work

Research published by PubMed took a close look at proportionate mortality among roofers and waterproofers who are union members. The research was designed to determine if employees within these professions faced a proportionately greater risk of death than others of the same gender and demographic groups who were not working in roofing or waterproofing.

The researchers considered the toxins to which roofers were exposed that could make them sick, including asbestos and fiberglass when old roofs are being replaced and bitumen like asphalt and coal tar pitch. Researchers also considered common causes of physical injuries which could occur while a worker was on the job.

Unfortunately, a statistically significant increased mortality rate for unionized roofers and waterproofers was found for all different types of illnesses and injuries which were included in the research.

Roofers faced a much greater risk of death due to falls than other people in their same age group in other professions. They were also found to experience higher rates of lung and esophageal cancer and higher rates of cancer of the larynx.

Waterproofers and roofers were also at greater risk of non-malignant respiratory diseases as compared with people in the same demographic group in other professions.

While safe worksites can help to minimize these undesirable outcomes, the fact remains that far too many workers are putting their lives on the line in dangerous jobs. If a job does turn out to be high-risk and you are harmed as a result, you need to talk with an experienced attorney to understand your options for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits.