Construction sites are busy environments where the sounds of progress often echo the risks inherent to the job. Despite stringent safety protocols, the nature of construction work makes workers prone to accidents and injuries.
Catastrophic injuries are possible when accidents occur in the construction industry. These injuries affect workers’ physical well-being and their livelihoods and families. The following are some of the most common.
Spinal cord injuries
Falling from heights causes many catastrophic injuries on construction sites. This can lead to severe spinal cord damage that comes with life-long problems. This type of injury can occur when workers fall from scaffolding or ladders or through unprotected openings. The severity of spinal injuries varies, ranging from complete paralysis to partial mobility loss, which significantly affects an individual’s quality of life and ability to work.
Broken bones
Broken bones are another frequent occurrence in the construction industry. The busyness of construction sites, with moving machinery, tools, and materials, increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls, leading to fractures. Workers may also suffer broken bones through direct impacts from heavy equipment or during vehicle-related accidents on site. These injuries can range from simple fractures requiring minimal medical intervention to complex breaks that necessitate surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation.
Head injuries
Falling objects lead to significant head injuries for construction workers. Workers can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or severe brain injuries if struck by tools, materials, or debris. Wearing safety helmets can mitigate the risk, but the potential for serious injury remains, especially in areas where overhead work is being performed. Long-term cognitive and physical impacts may occur after these injuries.
Internal injuries
Crushing incidents on construction sites can lead to internal injuries, which are dangerous and life-threatening. These incidents often occur when a worker is pinned between heavy materials or caught in machinery. The pressure on the body can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and other critical.
Construction workers who suffer injuries at work should get immediate medical care. Workers’ compensation coverage should cover those expenses, but they might need legal assistance to obtain their due benefits.