Highway employees face considerable work-related injury risk

Any occupation that results in individuals being on or near roadways causes workers to face substantial risks. Because the actions of drivers cannot always be accounted for, there is a considerable possibility that an individual could suffer a work-related injury if he or she is struck by a vehicle. Unfortunately, this type of accident is not altogether uncommon.

North Carolina residents may be interested in a recent accident that took place out of state. Reports indicated that a highway maintenance employee was working to clear up debris and related materials from an accident that had taken place earlier involving two tractor-trailer trucks. While carrying out his duties, the worker was struck by a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on the roadway.

Apparently, the driver of the wrong-way car was traveling at approximately 80 mph at the time of the incident. The vehicle continued traveling, and police caught up with the driver several miles later. The highway worker was seriously injured in the incident and transported to a medical center for treatment. His exact condition was unknown at the time of the report.

Suffering a serious work-related injury can have unpredictable impacts on a person’s life. Outcomes can range from workers only needing time to recover or they may suffer permanent injuries that make it impossible for them to return to their jobs. In any case, it is likely that financial struggles will result from medical bills and lost wages. In order to address such issues, North Carolina residents may need more information on workers’ compensation.

Source: swvatoday.com, “Charges filed in Wythe wrecks; worker struck“, Millie Rothrock, April 7, 2017