Construction workers’ injuries can be quite serious

Anyone who has worked construction here in Minnesota knows that there is an inherent danger in the duties they carry out every day on the job. But knowing there is a risk and avoiding that risk can be poles apart when you are on a busy construction site.

Below are the 10 most common injuries those working construction tend to suffer.

1. Back injuries – Coming in at number one are back injuries that can occur from falls from height, repetitive motions and heavy lifting. The former is an acute injury whereas the latter two can be chronic damage from years of work.
2. Head injuries – While wearing a hardhat can definitely mitigate some damage, it does not provide full protection from falling construction debris, dropped tools and other dangers.
3. Eye injuries – Particulate materials that can be irritating to the eyes typically get stirred up on construction sites where there’s lots of debris. Wearing goggles can help workers avoid eye injuries.
4. Knee injuries – Many a construction worker has been sidelined due to knee injuries. Some occur from repetitive motions, a stumble or heavy lifting.
5. Crushing injuries – These injuries are frequently life-threatening and occur during building or trench collapses.
6. Burns – Thermal and chemical burns can occur on construction sites with hazardous materials that may explode or catch fire.
7. Heatstroke – In the summer, working under the hot sun, many construction workers are at risk of succumbing to heatstroke. Staying well-hydrated during the work day is vital to avoid dehydration.
8. Respiratory diseases – Mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos, lung cancer, asthma and chronic pneumonia can all plague construction workers.
9. Hearing loss – This injury can be insidious because you might not notice its onset until a great deal of damage has already occurred. Loud machinery on the job site is often the culprit and wearing ear protection can help workers avoid it.
10. Muscle strains – These can come with the territory when workers must lift heavy construction materials and complete repetitive motions all day.

If you suffered any of the above common injuries while working construction, it might be time to investigate filing for workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can guide you and see that your claim is processed correctly and approved.