If you’re like many people who work in construction, you know that there are hazards in your workplace. You probably also know that your employer is supposed to make your workplace as safe as possible. However, not all construction sites are safe. So what are the five most common construction site injuries? Here’s what you need to know.

The 5 Most Common Construction Site Injuries

The most common injuries that construction workers face on the job include:

Burns
Cuts and lacerations
Broken or crushed bones
Head injuries
Stress injuries

Here’s a closer look at each – and what you can do if you suffer from any of them.

Common Construction Site Injury #1: Burns

Most construction sites don’t have anything to do with planned fires – but when a fire or explosion occurs, it takes everyone off-guard. Exposed wiring, dangerous chemicals, burst pipes containing steam or hot water, and a variety of other factors can cause a fire or an explosion on a construction site.

Burns are typically classified into three categories:

First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of skin. They can cause pain, redness and swelling.
Second-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin and the underlying layer. They can cause pain, redness, swelling, blistering and other issues.
Third-degree burns affect the deep layers of the skin and can even reach the fat tissues and muscles beneath.

Common Construction Site Injury #2: Cuts and Lacerations

Construction is a very physical job, and most of the tools and materials a construction worker handles are large, rough, heavy and difficult to manage. As a result, cuts and lacerations are some of the most common construction site injuries. Things like poorly maintained or defective tools can cause significant injury; so can exposed nails, sharp metal objects and wood.

Some cuts and lacerations aren’t that serious – a little soap and water, and maybe some anti-bacterial ointment is all you need to treat them. However, some cuts are so deep that they require stitches – and some even lead to complete amputation of a limb.

Common Construction Site Injury #3: Broken or Crushed Bones

Heavy machinery is common on construction sites, and so are large, heavy objects (including tools and materials). As a result, some of the most common construction site injuries are broken and crushed bones. Crush injuries can be particularly serious, even leading to the loss of a limb in some cases.

Sometimes people are hit by moving equipment or fall from significant heights. Sometimes, objects fall from heights and hit people – and all of these can result in broken or crushed bones, as well.

Common Construction Site Injury #4: Head Injuries

Although most construction sites require workers to wear helmets in specific situations, helmets can prevent every head injury. Falling objects, like tools or construction materials, and falls from heights can cause injuries. So can heavy machinery accidents and carelessness. Head injury can be particularly troubling, because it can result in traumatic brain injury – and that can range from moderate to severe.

Common Construction Site Injury #5: Stress Injuries

Stress injuries, which typically occur after a person performs a repetitive task, can be debilitating. Some are more serious than others are, even leading to missed work and an inability to perform regular daily activities, like driving, cooking and even getting dressed. Construction workers are at risk for stress injuries from using tools that require repetitive movements, from jackhammers to nail guns (these things can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome) – and they’re at risk for risks from repeatedly lifting, turning and carrying tools and construction materials.

What Should You Do if You’re Injured on a Construction Site?

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you may want to talk to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about your situation. You could be entitled to financial compensation – but every case is different. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney about what happened to you. We’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation at home, in our office or in the hospital. Just call us at 818-230-8380 now to schedule a time to talk.