Common construction site injuries and how to avoid them, Industry health and safety tips, Building

Common Construction Site Injuries and How to Avoid Them

15 August 2022

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Construction is among the most dangerous industries to work in. Often, workers must contend with the dangers of falling objects, heavy machinery, and other construction materials that can cause serious injury.

Due to the nature of construction sites, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to follow strict safety protocols to mitigate risk. But even with these stringent rules and regulations, construction workers still suffer injuries at work, and here are the common ones and how to avoid them.

Injuries from Falls

Falls are a leading cause of construction site injuries and deaths. Many factors can contribute to fall-related injuries, including slip and fall accidents and scaffolding collapses.

Some of the most common injuries resulting from falls include broken bones and injuries to the spinal cord. These injuries can lead to permanent physical disabilities and paralysis if not treated early enough.

To reduce the risk of injuries from falls, you must use proper fall protection equipment, such as safety net systems and strategically placed safety post. You should also maintain a clean working area, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid distractions while working at heights.

Training and raising awareness are the best ways to teach all workers how to work together safely and avoid falls. They get a chance to learn about heavy equipment operator responsibilities as well as how to inspect, maintain, and use the equipment safely. Further, regular site inspections and identifying potential hazards can help prevent falls.

Burns

Burns at construction sites are often the result of contact with hot materials or equipment. Burns can be divided into contact burns, caused by touching a hot object, and heat burns, which occur when your clothing is close enough to a heat source.

Wearing appropriate clothing for the job, such as flame-retardant pants and shirts, is an excellent way to prevent burns. Gloves made from fire-resistant materials are particularly recommended when handling hot objects.

Cuts and Lacerations

Construction work often requires workers to handle sharp materials, like broken glass or barbed wire. You may also need to use sharp tools such as saw blades, axes, and shovels, which might cause cuts and lacerations if not appropriately handled.

Therefore, always stick to safe work procedures when handling these sharp tools and objects. This includes using gloves and other PPE to protect your hands.

Moreover, ensure you get adequate training and understand how to use sharp tools efficiently. You should also keep your working site free from sharp objects by cleaning broken glass and other debris.

Head and Brain Injuries

Working in the construction industry makes you more likely to suffer from head injuries and traumatic brain injuries than employees in other sectors.

This is because you are surrounded by heavy moving objects and work from heights where a single mistake could make you fall, hitting your head on the ground.

Some common head injuries include concussions, penetrating head wounds, and hemorrhages. Suffering any of these injuries could lead to severe problems like memory loss, paralysis, or even death.

The good news is you can minimize the risk of head and brain injuries by wearing a helmet and following safety protocol when operating equipment. Also, always be aware of your surroundings to avoid being hit on the head by falling objects.

In case you have suffered head or brain injuries while at work, you may be eligible to recover compensation, regardless of fault. However, it would help to let experienced lawyers, such as the attorneys at Abels and Annes, handle your workers’ compensation claim.

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Common construction site injuries Summary

No matter how careful you are at the workplace, it’s impossible to eliminate the chances of an accident. Luckily, what you do immediately after a workplace accident can help speed up your recovery and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Therefore, ensure you seek immediate medical attention and report the accident as soon as it happens. If your injuries are not so severe, gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements and contacts, to help your lawyer build a solid case.

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