Construction workers are always at high risk for sustaining injuries while on the job. Some of the most common injuries include lacerations, puncture wounds, fractures, and strains and sprains. While most small injuries may not feel like a big deal, serious injuries such as a crushed finger or a severed limb can have lasting effects on your life.
If you sustain an injury while working on a construction site, you may need to take care of many things. This includes getting medical care and suing the company if they refuse to take care of your medical expenses. Here are some of the most common injuries that occur at construction sites and what you can do about them.
Lacerations
Lacerations are one of the most common injuries on a construction site. They usually happen when workers use tools without proper safety gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear. Lacerations can be extremely deep and may require stitches or even surgery to close. If you sustain a laceration, you should immediately clean the wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. You should then seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can be caused by a hard fall or impact, which can cause damage to the nerves that carry signals from your brain to other parts of your body. If there is no blood supply to the damaged area, it may not regenerate, and you may be paralyzed. Consider hiring spinal cord injury attorneys to help you sue for compensation.
Puncture Wounds
You may sustain picture wounds from nails, shards of glass, or other sharp objects on a construction site. These wounds can be very deep and dangerous, as they can easily become infected. If you sustain a puncture wound, you should clean the wound with soap and water and then apply a bandage. Don’t forget to see a doctor because they may be able to tell if there are hidden injuries and treat them.
Fractures
Fractures are caused by falling off equipment, hitting heavy objects, or getting into an accident while driving a truck.
You may sustain different fracture types such as:
- Limb fracture: You may break a bone in your arm or leg.
- Spinal cord injury: You may damage your spinal cord and lose feeling in a part of your body.
- Head injury: You can get a concussion, a brain hemorrhage, or even die if you hit something hard enough.
Wearing protective gear can help prevent fractures when working on construction sites.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are typical injuries when workers overexert themselves or use improper lifting techniques. These injuries can be extremely painful and may take weeks or even months to heal properly. If you have a strain or sprain, you should rest the injured area, apply ice, and wrap it in an elastic bandage. You may also need to see a doctor for physical therapy or other treatments.
Burns
There are many ways to sustain burns on a construction site. You may get them from open flames, electrical wires, chemicals, or hot objects such as pipes. There are different types of burns, including first-, second-, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are the most minor, while third-degree burns can cause permanent damage. If you have a burn, you should immediately put it in cool water for at least five minutes. You should then apply a sterile bandage and seek medical attention.
Amputations
Amputations occur when workers get their limbs caught in machinery or equipment. These injuries can be very serious and may require surgery. In some cases, the limb may need to be completely removed. Immediate medical attention is the only solution for this injury type.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can happen when workers are not wearing proper safety gear, such as goggles or face shields. They can also happen if workers are hit by flying objects or chemicals. These injuries can range from minor to severe, and some may even result in blindness. If you have an eye injury, you should flush your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is common among construction workers exposed to loud noises daily. This type of injury is usually permanent and can make it difficult to hear things properly. If you think you have hearing loss, you should see a doctor as soon as possible so they can test your hearing. There is no cure for hearing loss, but there are ways to treat it.
Final Word
Getting injured anywhere is awful, and construction sites are no exception. Ensure you follow the tips mentioned in this article to deal with or avoid such injuries.
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