5 Common Construction Worker Injuries

If you or someone you love works in construction, workers’ compensation has probably been on your mind more than the average individual. It’s important to make sure you consider the ways in which construction workers are at risk of injury in the workplace, as well as what to do if one of the most common injuries occurs during a shift. 

At Injury and Health Urgent Care, we take workers’ compensation seriously. Melissa Kempf, MD, and Shannon Wait, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, provide excellent injury care that goes above and beyond, ensuring our patients receive the help and support they need following any accident.  

5 common construction injuries 

The construction sector is one of the most dangerous when it comes to workplace accidents. In 2021, construction-related deaths increased by 5.9%, and almost one in five workplace deaths occurred in the construction sector. 

It’s essential not only to remain safe at work but also to be aware of the most common types of injuries and their causes. 

1. Falls

In almost all workplace sectors, falls are a hazard, and construction is no different. One must be careful to wear the proper footwear and be aware of one's footing and balance, especially when working at heights. However, even a simple slip can result in a serious injury. 

2. Struck-by injuries and falling objects 

Whether something is dropped, breaks, or simply strikes a person, this type of injury can become very serious and is unfortunately common in the construction sector. Companies are even being encouraged to discuss this kind of incident, which is high in the number of injuries and fatalities it causes compared to other, well-known problems. 

3. Machinery-related incidents 

The use of heavy machinery is a crucial aspect of construction work. However, without proper training, machine-assisted tasks can become hazardous, even deadly. What’s more, sometimes knowing how to use the machine properly can’t prevent a simple mistake from being made, especially if someone isn’t paying attention. 

4. Electrocution

Electrocution is one of the four most deadly workplace incidents for construction workers. This type of issue needs to be prevented with an alert attitude and a fastidiousness for safety checks. With this type of care, incidents can be prevented. 

5. Vehicle-related incidents 

Construction workers drive different types of vehicles around the workplace. This can create situations where harm may come to the driver, the passenger, or someone else on the site. Safety protocols must be followed whenever a vehicle is being utilized at a construction site.  

What to do right away if you experience one of these injuries

All of these incidents have a strong chance of creating a serious injury or even a fatality. So, the most important thing you can do is to prevent any possibility of one of these events. 

However, if one does occur at your workplace, you must act immediately.

The first thing you should do is inform your manager or supervisor of the incident (or have someone else do so) and visit an urgent care clinic like ours for a thorough medical examination. 

For severe or life-threatening injuries, seek emergency medical care or call 911. Either way, make sure you see a medical professional immediately. 

We recommend immediate care for several reasons. For instance, the condition may seem insignificant at first, but worsen over time. If you seek help later, it may be harder to treat the problem, and long-term or life-threatening symptoms may arise. 

Additionally, immediate medical care can help with your workers’ compensation claim. If you see us promptly, we can provide you with the necessary documentation, as well as any information you may need for your claim. 

You must get help as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay, you will want to ensure that a medical provider agrees and documents everything so that you can receive any necessary compensation.

Visit us after a workplace injury

Prevention is always the best option, but construction work involves several risks that should be understood before any issues arise. Additionally, you can receive the support you need when you visit us, from treatment and documentation to finding legal representation.

Call us today, and visit us at our San Antonio, TX, office. You can also make an appointment online.