The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently urged drivers to be cautious when they travel through the construction zones of the project at the interchange of the I-235 and I-44. In an attempt to cut down on the number of workplace injuries that happen all too often in construction zones, safety authorities are asking vehicle operators to look out for workers and not to exceed the posted speed limits. One construction worker likened working in a construction zone to having a big rig drive through an office or another workplace at 75 mph.
This man says a co-worker was killed in a construction zone in 2015, and most workers have experienced near misses. He says workers never know whether they will return home safely every night. They are vulnerable and exposed to the negligence of vehicle operators who travel through the construction zones.
The worker also reports seeing drivers busy on their mobile phones, laptops and even reading books or magazines while driving through the work zone. He says many motorists do not realize that a moment’s distraction can claim a life or cause a debilitating injury. ODOT will post signs to warn drivers as they approach the construction zones, but drivers often disregard to those signs.
Any worker who suffered workplace injuries in a construction zone in Oklahoma will be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that will cover the bills for doctors, hospitals, therapists and other medical expenses. Benefits will also include a percentage of lost wages. If a life is lost in a work-related accident, the surviving family members may claim death benefits. Legal counsel is available to assist with the legal and administrative proceedings of the benefits claims process.