5 Work Hazards Missouri Plumbers Need to Be Aware Of

If you’re a plumber or looking to kick off your plumbing career, it’s a good idea to understand all the safety risks that you’re likely to face on the job.

On the surface, fixing or replacing broken sewer pipes may not seem too dangerous. However, you’d be surprised to learn plumbing comes with its fair share of hazards that sometimes lead to fatal accidents.

If you’re a plumber or looking to kick off your plumbing career, it’s a good idea to understand all the safety risks that you’re likely to face on the job. That way, you can take appropriate measures to steer clear of these plumbing hazards. Here are some common hazards you may face when working as a plumber. 

Chemical Hazards

Plumbers are likely to be exposed to harmful chemicals during their day-to-day operations. Some of the dangerous chemicals include lead and asbestos, among others. Prolonged exposure to these harmful chemicals can lead to severe health complications and sometimes death.

Exposure to harmful elements is widespread in houses built during the 1970s. That’s because these houses were built during an era characterized by the heavy use of asbestos, lead paints, and aluminum for wiring. The first two are toxic chemical hazards, while aluminum wiring is predisposed to fires.

Mold

Most homeowners call plumbers over to fix leaks on their pipes or sink. Unfortunately, these leaking pipes and sinks present the ideal conditions for the growth and proliferation of mold. Mold spores are hazardous and can lead to various respiratory complications. Plumbers need to be especially cautious with black mold, which is dark-colored, unlike regular mold. Black mold can weaken the immune system when plumbers inhale its spore.

Eye Risks

Plumbers generally have to immerse themself in environments ridden with all kinds of bacteria. Without proper eye protection, plumbers risk damaging their eyes by exposing them to harmful bacteria and chemicals. Protective eyewear can help protect a plumber’s eyes from chemical and bacteria exposure.

Repetitive Motions

Plumbing work involves a ton of repetitive motions, for instance, when digging or tightening loose pipes. These repetitive motions are likely to put stress on the muscles and lead to various types of injuries. This includes muscle strains, pulls, and soft tissue damage. 

Plumbers should do their best to use machines and automatic equipment for activities requiring repetitive movements to be safe.

Injuries While Using Tools

The plumbing tools we have these days are far from what we used to have a few decades ago. Nowadays, plumbing tools are more advanced and powerful. This is great, but it also means plumbers stand a higher chance of a severe injury should they get injured while using these tools. Therefore, plumbers should check for any defects in their tools before using them to reduce the chances of injuries.  

Keep an Eye Out for Plumbing Hazards

Plumbers should stay vigilant to sidestep these plumbing hazards. They should also wear proper protective equipment during work.

If you are a Missouri plumber who has been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation with an experienced St. Louis work injury lawyer.