Each year, thousands of Missouri construction workers are injured on the job.
Tens of thousands of people are injured each year while working in the construction industry. While this is a massive figure, it probably comes as no surprise due to the nature of the business, it’s pretty high risk. Of course there are plenty of laws in place regarding the health and safety of construction workers in the workplace, but even when these are strictly adhered too, you can’t prepare for every eventuality and accidents do happen.
The Biggest Risks for Construction Workers
Here are some of the most common risks for construction workers:
- Falling objects – Falling objects are one high risk factor. You can’t secure every tool to the worker or to the site. It’s very easy to drop a tool and tools can be both heavy and sharp. When working at a height, tools increase in velocity and when they land, if it happens to be on a workers head, then it can cause some major damage. Anyone hit by a falling object can end up with brain damage or damage to the spine, all of which can be life changing injuries.
- Injury by machinery and equipment – Construction workers often use heavy machinery, everything from a nail gun to a fork lift truck can cause some serious injuries.
- Collapse – Whether its a building project or a demolition, construction workers are dealing with buildings in a volatile state. During construction and demolition, everything has to be so carefully organized, and sometimes things can get out of control when an unforeseen circumstance arises. A building can collapse on top of workers. Workers may be at the top of a building that collapses, or a trench may give way and the workers fall into it.
- Run over and crush injuries – Building sites are noisy, busy places. It can be hard to keep track of whom is where, it is also difficult to watch out for drivers when you’re focusing on a task. Many construction workers suffer injuries from being run over, or becoming crushed between a vehicle and an object.
- Falling – Perhaps the most major cause of injury to workers is a fall. Working at height is common and whether it’s from a high scaffolding, or from a lower level step ladder, it can all cause serious injury.
- Respiratory problems – It’s not just the injuries sustained in the workplace, even years later you can find that your work has caused you health problems. Respiratory issues are common with construction workers as they often spend a great deal of time working in dusty environments.
- Fires or explosions – Most building sites come with a fire risk. There may be bare electrical wiring, gas or other dangerous materials on site. Fires and explosions are not uncommon on construction sites.
Construction work can be a dangerous business. If you are a construction worker and have been injured on the job, you can claim workers compensation for your injuries. If this is something you’d like to pursue but are not sure how to go about it, then contact a St Louis worker injury lawyer who will be able to help and advise you.
Law Office of James M. Hoffmann
Our St Louis Workers’ Compensation Attorneys can provide you with the necessary information to make the right choices so that you can receive the best medical care, benefits and income. When injured, you need answers and money quickly. You have bills to pay, a family to take care of, and a job to go back to. We will strive to resolve your claim quickly.
Call us today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation.