It is widely accepted that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors for workers. Every year, over 1000 people lose their lives in construction-related accidents. Many more workers suffer serious injuries.
What are some of the most common injuries associated with construction work?
Fractures and dislocations
Fractures and dislocation are a fairly regular occurrence on construction sites. Often, these are caused by falls. The severity of the injury largely depends on the height of the fall as well as the bone that has been injured. For instance, a broken limb can be very painful, but it is likely to heal. A fracture or other type of injury to the spine is much more serious and full recovery may not even be possible.
Eye injuries
The cutting and grinding of metal, wood, and stone happen a lot on construction sites. All of these activities send debris into the air. Should that debris enter the eyes, it can cause serious injuries. Eye injuries can also be caused by the welding that occurs on most construction sites.
Companies must take every precaution to prevent eye injuries. Ensuring that workers wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and goggles is a good starting point.
Head injuries
While construction workers are generally obliged to wear hard hats, these don’t necessarily prevent all head injuries. Serious head injuries can occur during heavy machinery accidents, falls or when an object hits a worker.
You don’t have to establish fault in workers’ compensation claims. If you were injured on the job, then you are entitled to this compensation. Seek legal guidance to find out more about your options.