iron workers

If you are an iron worker who has been injured at the workplace, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that iron workers have the highest injury rate among all occupations. Iron workers often work at heights with powerful and heavy equipment and they face the risk of falling, being struck by falling materials and tools from above, being struck by equipment, and wall collapses.

Workplace Hazards Faced by Iron Workers

• falls through inadequate or unprotected floor opening covers
• lack of fall protection and inadequate use of fall arrest equipment
• collapse of unsecured open web steel joists
• material-handling injuries during steel erection and reinforcing steel activities
• falls during installation of floor and roof decking
• collapse of unsupported reinforced walls, decks, and steel columns
• column collapse caused by insufficient concrete strength or anchor bolt failure
• crushing injuries during hoisting and rigging operations
• injuries from falling tools, objects, and materials
• toxic exposure to chemicals and air-borne contaminants and heat illness
• electrical hazards and injuries
• impalement from unprotected vertical projections

The accidents resulting from these hazards can cause a wide variety of injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to more serious injuries including fractures and broken bones, lacerations, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, amputations, coma, paralysis, and even death.

Preventing Iron Worker Injuries

While it is impossible to make a work environment completely injury free, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Employers can create a culture of safety to prevent work-related injury to iron workers.

• Identifying job hazards – Identify all job hazards while designing work processes. This allows workers to be aware of the safety measures they must take during each step of a task.
• Housekeeping – The risk of injury increases when the workplace is disorganized and messy. Supervisors should develop a proper housekeeping plan that keeps the workplace as hazard free as possible.
• Safety planning – A detailed plan of action helps workers to identify and manage hazards and provides proper task-appropriate safety condition. Workers should clearly understand each step of their work and take necessary actions to minimize the risk of injury to themselves and their co-workers.

Workers & Industry