Construction sites are not your average Johnson County, Kansas, workplace environment. Depending on their location, they can interact with the surrounding geography in many ways. Construction sites can sometimes be situated just off main roads or freeways, and passing vehicles may need to slow down when moving through the area to ensure safety.
Even though precautionary measures may be taken, a construction site accident may impact the surrounding areas as well. Even when there is no risk of fatality, it may be necessary to implement construction site safety procedures to comply with established protocol.
A recent accident at a construction site in Kansas City, Kansas, illustrated the need for safety procedures. A fire department spokesman stated that a front loader hit a gas line during the course of the daily work operation, necessitating evacuation of a street mall adjacent to the site and nearby townhomes. The gas leak was later stopped by pinching off the line. Authorities stated that they have no reports of injury from the truck collision or the subsequent leak. The evacuation was described by officials as a precaution.
In the event of injury, legal avenues exist for receiving compensation for any injuries caused by the accident or evacuation. Employers are also legally required by state law to carry liability insurance. While compensation-related disputes are not generally anticipated, workers injured on a work site can consult with legal counsel, if they believe they have not received rightful compensation for injuries suffered.
Kansas City workers’ compensation laws allow for the reparatory payment of lost wages, apart from payments for hospital and other accident-related expenses. If any fatalities occur, death benefits may also be awarded, although no compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one.
Source: KCTV 5, “Construction accident causes gas leak in KCK,” Marc Jacobs, April 16, 2014
