Most Common Injuries for Construction Workers

One of the most important roles on a construction site is that of the safety manager. This professional is in charge of maintaining a safe work environment for the sake of their workers. However, accidents still happen, even on the most secure worksites.

Sometimes, rare injuries occur that no one could expect. However, the most common injuries for construction workers are usually preventable. Look out for safety hazards on your site to avoid serious harm.

Machine Accidents

Bulldozers, backhoes, excavators—these heavy machines are essential to most construction projects. However, they also create safety hazards for workers on site. Unmaintained equipment can malfunction and cause minor injuries, such as bruises and cuts, or serious wounds, such as amputations.

It’s hard for operators to see their immediate surroundings when driving these machines. Sometimes, other workers get in the way and become wedged between construction vehicles and their projects. Marking and clearing the area before engaging machines is the best way to avoid this situation.

Electrocution

Employees working on residential and commercial projects often come in contact with electrical lines and systems. Electricity is a dangerous force; one small move could result in electrocution. You could also cause a spark that sets fire to your surroundings.

Wearing the right PPE, including heavy-duty gloves for construction workers, will help protect people from harm. All employees need adequate electrical training to recognize and handle certain systems. Offer training refreshers to keep people up-to-date on best practices.

Falling Injuries

Professionals often work off the ground. Falling from extreme heights is another common injury that construction workers face frequently. Falling from scaffolding leads to concussions, broken bones, and other life-threatening problems.

Preventing these accidents is difficult if you’re working on a brand-new project without existing safety structures. However, well-rested employees are more alert and stable on their feet. Never allow a tired worker to get on a roof, ladder, or other high structure.

Collapsing Injuries

Sometimes, falls don’t occur because of missteps. Instead, they happen when structures collapse under workers. Scaffolding can break down beneath people if it’s not strong enough. That’s why inspecting platforms is essential before using them as support structures.

Construction workers may also fall victim to trench collapses. In these cases, employees find themselves underground without access to air. They may also sustain moderate to severe crushing injuries.

Don’t forget about burns, repetitive motion injuries, and toxic fume exposure. A good safety manager will take the right precautions to limit the number of accidents occurring on their watch. You should also keep your insurance coverage up-to-date to cover any injuries your employees get on the job.