Working in construction, you sometimes participate in steel erection work. This is one of the top 10 most hazardous occupations known to the United States Department of Labor.

In this field, you should know that you have specific rights. Workers have a right to be able to:

• Work in conditions that don’t post a risk of serious harm
• File a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if they believe that a serious hazard is present in their workplace or that their employer is not following the rules set up by the OSHA.
• Exercise their rights without the risk of retaliation
• Review records of illnesses and work-related injuries
• Receive training and information about workplace hazards and the standards set by the OSHA

Steel erection work involves heavy duty structures like metal buildings, bridges, signs and high rises. Workers can be harmed in a variety of ways, from suffering injuries due to falls to being impacted by steel scaffolding.

Even though the steel erection standard has covered the industry since 1971, workers are still harmed. Around 35 fatal incidents happen yearly, which equates to one death per 1,600 workers. Even more people are harmed as they work on scaffolding and at heights.

As a worker who will be working on steel erection, make sure that you speak with your employer about receiving appropriate training and support as you start any new project. This industry is extremely dangerous, but with good safety techniques and support, it’s possible to prevent injuries and fatalities from happening.

If you are injured on the job, you may be able to pursue compensation from your employer.