Construction workers are at high risk for injuries due to the nature of their work. They’re often faced with tight deadlines, bad weather, and difficult working conditions. In fact, construction is the 24th most dangerous occupation in America—and roofers specifically are the fourth.
Construction sites can also be hot and dusty, so it’s common for workers to experience heat stroke and other health issues. These risks can result in serious injuries that may cause long-term discomfort or even death. Here are some of the most common injuries construction workers typically face on the job and how to prevent them.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious hazard for construction workers because it happens when the body reaches a high temperature, which is very likely when you’re doing physical labor in warm weather. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, dry skin, and a fever.
To prevent this from happening, you should drink plenty of water and try to stay cool during your shift. If you feel symptoms coming on, stop what you’re doing and cool down as soon as possible.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are one of the most common injuries for construction workers. This is because most jobs require a lot of bending, lifting, and twisting. In fact, the average construction worker spends as many as 12 hours a day on their feet.
The best way to prevent back injuries is by being mindful of your posture and avoiding heavy lifting or any strenuous activities. Make sure you’re always using safety gear when needed and take plenty of breaks so your body can cool down.
Head Injuries
Construction workers are at high risk for head injuries due to the nature of their work. They’re often working around heavy equipment, which increases the chance of accidents. If you’re not wearing protective gear, you can also get hurt by debris or material that falls from above.
If the injury is more severe, it’s possible to suffer a concussion or other brain injuries. Even if it doesn’t lead to any serious health complications, head injuries can be extremely painful and lead to headaches for weeks afterward.
To prevent this type of injury, always wear your helmet while on site and make sure all employees know how to spot hazards that could cause head injuries.
Eye Injuries
Construction workers can experience eye injuries due to workplace hazards. For example, they may be exposed to harmful chemicals like asbestos and ACMs (asbestos-containing materials). They may also work with welding as part of their job. If you’re working in road construction, bits of debris can be flung into your eyes by passing cars.
The most common eye injuries for construction workers are cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and other particles that could cause eye damage and injury.
Some injuries can be difficult to diagnose. It’s also difficult to know how long the effects of the injury will last. That’s why it’s important with any other workplace injury to consult with a construction injuries lawyer. They can help ensure that you don’t have to pay the medical bills associated with an injury that isn’t your fault. Your lawyer can not only ensure that your employer covers your medical bills but also that you are compensated for time lost at work, pain and suffering, and other expenses associated with your injury.
It is important to be mindful of workplace safety. Construction work can be dangerous, and workers can suffer from all sorts of injuries, including back injuries, eye injuries, and head injuries. At the same time, construction companies should ensure that their employees are properly trained in order to minimize these risks as much as possible so they don’t have a high rate of accidents or injury-related fatalities on site.