• 29
  • August
    2011

The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) recently inspected the records of 299 contractors, resulting in the issuance of 103 stop-work orders. At least a half-dozen of those stop-work orders involved worker's compensation issues, including improperly labeling employees and independent contractors to avoid paying into the Connecticut worker's comp system.

Although the U.S. Department of Labor's latest statistics show a decline in injuries related to falls at construction sites, injuries to construction workers still occur on a daily basis. Misclassifying a worker as an independent contractor rather than an employee can mean that, if injured, the worker may not have access to worker's compensation for medical benefits, lost wages and disability benefits.

Common Construction Site Accidents in Connecticut

Construction sites, often littered with heavy equipment, tools and materials, can be dangerous places. Accidents do happen, and can happen, in an instant, causing serious injury or death. Construction site injuries and accidents may relate to:

  • Falling. Individuals falling from heights as well as debris falling from above present common construction site dangers. Failing to use appropriate fall protection and broken or faulty scaffolding can also lead to fall injuries.
  • Operating heavy equipment. Using forklifts and cranes to move large materials on jobsites may make things more efficient, but if operators are not properly trained, the machines can quickly go from helping to hurting construction workers.
  • Loading and unloading materials.
  • Climbing ladders.

Construction site injuries can range from bumps and bruises to broken bones, head injury, amputations and even death.

Penalties for Companies Who Do Not Comply With Connecticut Work Comp Requirements

The CTDOL can fine a company up to $300/day for failing to carry required worker's compensation coverage for its employees. It has already collected over $81,000 in fines from companies who mischaracterized employees as independent contractors to avoid paying into the Connecticut worker's compensation system as required by law. 

Once the CTDOL takes action, a construction company has 10 days to appeal. Work can be resumed proof of the correct amount of insurance is provided to the CTDOL.

Source: Conn. fines companies over workers' comp payments