What type of injuries do construction workers commonly face?

Construction work by its very nature comes with lots of hazards. It’s hard, manual labor that involves operating heavy machinery and sometimes means working at heights or in dangerous conditions. It’s no surprise, therefore, that it can result in some nasty accidents and serious injury.

Below are some of the most common injuries that occur on a construction site.

There’s a risk of falling from heights

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration names the industry as one of the most hazardous due to the nature of the work. Workers may be asked to work on top of buildings or in unstable conditions such as on scaffolding or fixing unsafe structures. This can easily lead to slips and falls. There’s also the risk of falling into deep holes and ditches.

Some other risks include:

• Exposure to asbestos – It’s not always evident that buildings have asbestos until it comes to carrying out work on them or tearing them down. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause serious diseases including cancer which may not be evident until much later.

• Repetitive strain injury – carrying out the same type of work time after time can cause damage to the muscles and tissue which can be debilitating if left untreated.

• Cuts and lacerations from using power tools – The tools used on construction sites need to be strong and fierce. It’s not uncommon for workers to cut themselves or even lose limbs through accidents with tools on site.

• Electrocution – working with machinery, exposure to unsafe electrical wiring and working at heights all contribute to the risks of workers facing electrical burns.

Being injured on the construction site can leave you with financial worries. An award of workers’ compensation can help you with paying the bills until you can work again.