Every workplace has its share of hazards. However, construction sites are particularly dangerous. From flying objects to loose cables, electrocution, heavy machinery and faulty ladders, construction workers contend with a lot of hazards.
One of the injuries you can sustain at a construction site is a back injury. If you sustain a back injury that is attributable to your construction work, you may pursue your employer for damages in accordance with Ohio workers’ compensation laws.
But who is at risk of back injuries at a construction site?
Regardless of the nature of your construction work, your job puts you at substantial risk of sustaining back injuries. That said, the following construction site workers are at an especially greater risk of sustaining back injuries while at work:
- Floor and wall tile installers
- Roofers
- Drywall installers
- Jackhammer operators
Not only does your construction work put you at the risk of back injuries per se, but the risk also increases over time. The longer you perform certain construction tasks, the more likely you will sustain repeat injuries that can worsen over time.
The physical demands associated with most construction jobs can lead to these among other injuries: broken vertebrae, slipped discs, spinal cord injuries and pinched nerves. Here are some of the ways construction accidents lead to back injuries:
- Falls: A fall, whether from an elevated spot or a trip, slip and fall accident on a wet floor can result in damage or fracture to the spinal cord. This is especially true if a worker lands on a hard surface or a sharp object.
- Repetitive strains: Activities that require constant bending and twisting of the spine such as lifting, pulling and pushing heavy objects can result in cumulative trauma to the back. As the back muscles weaken, the worker’s odds of suffering tendonitis will increase.
Back injuries can be debilitating. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing damages after a construction work injury.