In terms of sheer numbers, no industry has more on-the-job accidents than construction. In New York City, for example, construction workers account for only 5% of the workforce, but more than 25% of all workplace accidents. Of those, here are the five most common injuries seen among construction workers:
- Broken bones
- It is incredibly common for people working on construction sites to suffer from broken bones. Often, this is the result of falling from a high place, such as from scaffolding used to work on elevated structures. Other times, construction workers can break their bones after getting limbs caught inside mechanical equipment, or after being crushed by heavy objects that fall over. These injuries are extremely painful, and depending on the severity of the break, they can take weeks or months to heal.
- Head injuries
- Unfortunately, head injuries are also fairly common on construction sites. Typically, these occur as the result of falling objects, such as tools or parts, which get dropped from scaffolding onto unfortunate people below. Head injuries may also be sustained when someone falls, or when they get crushed in a cave-in. These injuries can result in concussions, or even in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental health.
- Construction sites provide many opportunities for people to get burned. Hot metal can sear exposed skin, and tools such as spot wielders can cause someone to accidentally catch fire. In addition, construction workers often work around dangerous chemicals which, if not handled carefully, can ignite or cause chemical burns. These injuries are often painful, and depending on their severity can require surgical correction. In addition, they often leave unsightly scars that can result in disfigurement, and are prone to infections and other potentially dangerous complications.
- Much of the tools and equipment construction workers use in their day-to-day jobs runs on electricity. These tools, while useful and efficient, create the potential risk of electrocution, which is a shockingly common hazard on construction sites. Even relatively small shocks can cause temporary paralysis and numbness, dizziness, muscle spasms, problems with hearing or sight, and can even make someone go unconscious. More extreme electrocutions can even result in long-term damage, or even result in death.
- Construction workers have an extremely demanding job, both physically and mentally, and it is not uncommon for them to overestimate how much exertion they can handle. Because of this, construction workers often suffer from muscle strain and repetitive motion injuries, and are at high risk of heat stroke and hypothermia in extreme weather conditions. Far from being minor issues, these sorts of injuries can result in hospitalization, and in some cases can even be fatal if not treated promptly.
If you have been involved in an accident on the job, it is important to speak with an attorney to be informed of your legal rights. The personal injury lawyers at Zlotolow & Associates can bring more than two decades of experience to your case. We have helped thousands of clients recover through settlements and courtroom verdicts. To schedule a consultation, you can call us toll-free at (886) 800-0092, or you can visit our contact page.