Workplace injuries in the construction industry can be fairly common due to the dangerous nature of some construction projects. Workers in Charlotte who are employed in dangerous businesses will want to use care and practice workplace safety on the job.

Last week, a construction worker was fatally injured at a worksite. The man in this case was working at a residential construction site. He was on a ladder working underneath a patio roof when it collapsed. He became trapped under the debris and authorities were unable to extract him in time. He died at the scene of the accident.

This accident occurred in Salt Lake City but dangerous workplaces exist throughout the country. Similar injuries could happen anywhere.

Charlotte employees who experience workplace injuries may be entitled to workers' compensation. Workers in North Carolina who have been injured on the job may be entitled to multiple types of workers' compensation benefits. Some of these benefits may include the following:

• Compensation for lost wages while you are recovering and absent from work

• Compensation for medical expenses that are related to your work injury

• Compensation for permanent injuries caused by the accident

In the case of a worker who is killed on the job, such as the construction worker in this case, the family of the deceased may also be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.

It is important for employers to have safe work environments, educate their employees on proper workplace safety and for workers to practice safety procedures so that these types of injuries and fatalities can be avoided.

Source: Local 8 News, "Roofer dies after collapse of Salt Lake patio roof," Associated Press, Jan. 25, 2012