Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in Illinois. Workers face many hazards, including electricity and working high above the ground. Any mistake, even a minor mistake, can result in serious construction site injuries. Reach out to Michael J. Lichner today if you need the help of a Will County construction injury lawyer. We can analyze your legal right to compensation and help you obtain workers’ compensation or file a lawsuit.
Most Common Construction Injuries
Construction workers can suffer injuries in dramatic accidents or because of hidden environmental hazards. Below are some common construction accidents and their causes.
Electrocution
Most job sites consume enormous amounts of electricity to power tools and provide sufficient lighting. A construction worker can suffer serious electrocution injuries on the job, including:
- Burns
- Cardiac arrest
- Nerve damage
- Brain damage
The risk of electrocution increases when contractors fail to follow OSHA regulations regarding equipment, installation, and guarding. Workers can also suffer electrocution when their ladder touches a live wire on the jobsite.
Electrocution is preventable, but workers must follow all safety regulations to prevent a construction site accident. Call Michael J. Lichner to discuss any electrocution accident at work.
Falls
Falls are a leading cause of death, and thousands of workers are injured in falls. Workers can fall from scaffolding or ladders, or they might trip and fall on level ground. Falls are usually caused by:
- Poorly constructed scaffolding
- Defective ladders
- Snow or ice
- Inappropriate footwear
Another reason is the absence of necessary fall protection systems, including harnesses. When used properly, these restraint systems can protect workers.
Any fall can cause serious injury, including concussion, back injury, spinal cord damage, or fractures. Falls from more than one story are especially dangerous and possibly deadly. Workers can reduce the risk of these construction site injuries by wearing appropriate footwear and requesting restraint systems.
Hearing Loss
Construction sites are noisy, and workers can suffer hearing loss from sustained exposure to excessive noise. Employers should continually monitor noise levels and ensure they stay within an acceptable boundary, employing noise mitigation where necessary. Unfortunately, some contractors are lax about enforcing these rules.
Furthermore, workers should receive earplugs or muffs to protect their eardrums from excessive noise. Sometimes the PPE provided is defective, worn out, or outdated. Workers sometimes also prefer not to wear earplugs.
Head and Neck Injuries from Falling Objects
Struck-by accidents are common in the construction industry. Materials, debris, and tools can rain down on a worker, leading to serious head injuries. This is why hard hats are so common on construction sites; they protect from sudden struck-by accidents.
Workers struck in the head can suffer:
- Skull fracture
- Traumatic brain injury
- Hematomas
A blow to the head can also cause whiplash in the neck, which is a painful soft tissue injury. A worker might be unable to twist their neck or move their head after whiplash.
Crush Injuries
Heavy-duty motor vehicles and machinery are a constant source of danger for construction workers. A worker can suffer a crush injury when materials slip off a roof or scaffolding and land on them, or a heavy piece of equipment tips over and traps a limb. These types of “caught in between” accidents are common.
Another cause of crush injuries is a scaffolding collapse. A worker underneath the scaffolding could be trapped until rescued, with a heavy weight compressing a limb.
Crush injuries damage nerves and skeletal muscles. These are significant injuries that carry dangerous complications, including the release of chemicals into the bloodstream as muscle breaks down. If left untreated, crush injuries can lead to limb loss and possible kidney damage.
Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries
Small, repetitive motions can slowly damage a worker’s muscles and ligaments. Construction workers overexert themselves pulling, pushing, and lifting. These motions tend to cause sprains or strains.
Initially, a worker might not notice significant pain, only a little stiffness, which goes away with a good night’s sleep. But over time, overexertion and repetitive motions can lead to crippling pain and injuries such as bursitis, tennis elbow, tendonitis, and hernias.
Toxic Exposure
Construction sites are rife with dangerous toxins, including:
- Pesticides
- Asbestos
- Carbon monoxide
- Formaldehyde
- Tar
- Lead
- Particulate matter
A worker can develop illnesses when they inhale or ingest toxic substances, or when the substance is absorbed by the skin. At first, a construction worker might only notice skin rashes or shallow breathing. Over time, however, they can develop more serious illnesses such as cancer or COPD. Workers often fail to connect their illness to chemical exposure at work, so they might not know they qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Heat Stroke and Related Injuries
Construction is a demanding job, and many workers will suffer heat-related injuries. There is often no way to get out of the punishing sun during the summer, so workers might suffer:
- Heat cramps. Spasms and muscle cramps are common on job sites. A worker should immediately get to a cool place and replace fluids.
- Heat exhaustion. Excessive dehydration can lead to dizziness, nausea, and shallow breathing. A worker needs to get out of the heat immediately to lower their body temperature.
- Heat stroke. This is a serious medical condition. A worker can experience confusion or loss of coordination. Heat stroke is sometimes fatal.
- Heat syncope. A worker might briefly lose consciousness because of dehydration and diminished blood flow.
Heat-related injuries are an often-overlooked danger, and some workers might not know they have a valid legal claim for heat stroke or a similar injury.
Were You Injured in a Construction Accident? Call Us Today
Michael J. Lichner is an established Joliet construction accident lawyer. His legal team excels at finding evidence to establish how a construction accident happened. Any injured construction worker might receive workers’ compensation benefits or possibly file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation.