Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Due to the nature of the business, workers are at risk for injury, even death, every day. Special care, strict adherence to procedures, and proper safety equipment are vital on the job. Some construction companies consider employees having EMT training an additional asset due to the significant risk involved in the industry.
One of the most dangerous things about a construction site are all the immense, moving machines. Dump trucks, cranes, bulldozers, and other excavation equipment are large and loud. It can be difficult for operators to see others on the ground, especially when they are backing up. Cranes can unexpectedly drop their load if the cable snaps, and loads can shift and become unstable, making them difficult to control.Falls from heights are another common injury. Many construction sites employ the use of scaffolding, which can collapse or become unstable. Workers can also be required to work several stories high on incomplete buildings resulting in elevator shaft falls, and falls because of holes in flooring. Even with the use of safety gear, several people are killed or severely injured each year because of falls. While not from elevation, falls due to slipping or tripping also cause significant injuries.
Some injuries lead to limb amputations; either due to the injury itself or wound complications. Electricity is an unexpected cause of amputation. The full extent of tissue damage is difficult to assess after electrocution, and what seems like a small injury can require complete limb amputation. Accidents with power tools can quickly sever a finger. Heavy building supplies can fall on the feet and toes of workers, cutting them off. Crushing injuries can also cause irreparable damage, and therefore necessitate amputation. Construction workers can become trapped between equipment, under heavy items that have fallen, or even under machines. These types of injuries lead to broken bones, potential amputation, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and can be fatal.
Burn injuries are not uncommon on the job site. Heated water, steam, chemicals, and electricity are some of the things that can be found at a job site. Burn injuries are horribly painful, and the recovery time is extensive. During construction, trenches are often required. These trenches are usually narrow and deep. Worker safety is at risk if they are not protected from trench collapse. The weight of the collapsed soil causes crushing injuries, broken bones, and potentially suffocation.
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Less threatening injuries are musculoskeletal injuries of the upper body. These include injuries of the neck, back, and arms. They occur due to: repetitive motion, inappropriate lifting, overexertion, working with an awkward posture, gripping things tightly for extended periods of time, or working with vibrating equipment. There are many routes for injury on a construction site. Almost all are avoidable when proper safety procedures and equipment are utilized. Equipment inspection should happen daily, and safety policies should be reviewed frequently.