Road construction danger and why more needs be done to prevent workplace accidents.
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has kicked off a new campaign to prevent roadway accidents. It will focus on education, outreach, and inspection.
Roadway accidents most commonly occur in construction sites and typically involve motor vehicle collisions. Nine workplace fatalities from roadway accidents occurred in 2018.
We believe this issue deserves more attention. Motorists need to slow down and keep distractions to a minimum. This can go a long way to preventing a deadly accident.
Michigan law imposes criminal penalties of up to one year in prison for injuring and up to fifteen years in prison for killing a road construction worker. This is a powerful warning to motorists who drive recklessly through construction sites.
Unfortunately, families of employees killed on-the-job have few options. Employers are protected by the exclusive remedy of workers’ compensation and cannot be sued for negligence.
Workers’ compensation only pays a $6,000 burial expense as the maximum payout. Survivors benefits up to 500 weeks of wage loss are paid to dependent spouses and minor children. This is not a lot of money considering a human life was lost.
Individuals killed on-the-job can also file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Additional damages including pain and suffering are available. Workers’ compensation gets paid back if any recovery is made.
We applaud MIOSHA for its campaign to prevent roadway accidents. However, more needs to be done to help victims of these tragic workplace accidents. Fixing the workers’ compensation law would be a step in the right direction.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
What death benefits are available to family members in Michigan?
