The Dangers Of Being A Construction Worker And How To Handle An Injury

Construction sites are hazardous locations. There is a lot of moving and heavy equipment. Tripping and falling, and hurting your back or legs, is the least of your worries when it comes to construction work.

Here are the dangers of working on a construction site and what to do after an injury.

Negligence

Negligence is the major reason for injuries on construction sites. Some common causes are not being properly trained, having broken equipment, working too fast or too slow, ignoring safety procedures and the list goes on. Being around heavy equipment is dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. When this happens, you’re entitled to compensation, especially depending on your location. If you live in Columbus, GA, for example, then hiring a personal injury lawyer is your best bet for filing a claim.  A good example of accidents caused by negligence is excavators – there have been countless accidents involving people’s limbs getting crushed by an excavator bucket because they were clinging to it trying to keep their balance while moving across the uneven ground at a rapid pace.

Back Injuries

Lifting heavy construction materials can lead to a slipped disc or even carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s best to lift with your knees bent, so you can support your back against any movements that might strain it. Also, use proper form when sitting down on different surfaces for long periods of time, don’t slouch too much because doing so puts pressure on your spine. If you do injure your back, remember to rest, so the injury can heal fully. Muscle spasms and pain are a normal part of any kind of back injury, therefore it’s important to take ibuprofen, so swelling will go down and the muscles in your back won’t be constricted too much while they start healing. Movement is also essential for muscle recovery if you have had surgery on your back or leg. It’s best not to rush yourself because it could cause further damage, but doing some basic exercises at home while recovering is good for blood flow and movement around the injury site without stress or strain placed on it.

Leg Injuries

Another common type of construction work-related injury is leg injury. Sprains are also very common where the ligaments around your leg or ankle are strained and can affect your muscles and blood vessels if not taken care of immediately. If you slip and fall, be sure to try and get up without putting too much pressure on your injured leg. Try lifting yourself up to a standing position with your arms while your good leg supports the injured one. Try to avoid putting too much weight on it because that can cause further damage throughout the body. Make sure you place a cold compress on any areas of pain, so swelling won’t spread as fast, take ibuprofen for inflammation, and elevate it so it’s above your heart level to prevent excess fluids from building up in those parts.

Eye Injuries

Getting dust in the eyes is extremely common in construction zones, therefore it’s best to wear a mask and goggles. If you do get something in your eye that shouldn’t be there, then flush with fresh water for 15 minutes and if the irritation persists, see an eye doctor.

Ear Injuries

The noise levels on construction sites can damage your ears, especially when using machinery like saws or jackhammers, which can cause long-term ear injuries such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Earplugs are necessary during these jobs to help protect against harmful noises. Chemical burns from harsh chemicals will also need proper medical attention immediately due to pain and possible damage to tissues throughout the body. If this does happen, have someone drive you to the emergency room.

Fire

Most construction workers are trained on how to handle fires in their area, but when the unexpected happens, make sure you remember your training in order to prevent injuries or loss of life. Know where the fire extinguishers are located in case of an emergency. If you’re near flammable objects like paint thinner, try to shut the door or close any openings that might cause an explosion. If there is no way to escape the flames, then go into a crouched position and cover your face with anything available (gloves are useless). If you have time before the fire gets out of control, make sure everyone evacuated safely first, because it’s better to be safe than sorry!

According to the workers compensation lawyers, the job of a construction worker is far from easy. It requires a lot of training, time, and patience to become one. Injuries are bound to happen throughout the course of work, whether it be small or severe enough for hospitalization, but knowing how to handle them will prevent further damage and make sure you get back at it quickly. Make sure you take care of your body and injuries, do some basic stretches every morning if possible, get plenty of rest, and enjoy your newfound safety at work!