Construction Worker Injuries and Overexertion

Construction workers face the risk of serious injuries while on the construction site. Due to the physicality of the work and the use of powerful machinery, accidents are very likely to occur. One injury that happens as a result of the worker’s actions is overexertion.

In this article, you will learn about overexertion and the types of injuries it leads to.

What is Overexertion?

According to the research and reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], overexertion is rated as a prominent cause of workplace injuries. Overexertion has to do with pushing yourself beyond your physical limits.

When workers overexert themselves, they put too much strain on their muscles. This can lead to exhaustion and increase the risk of accidents.

Types of Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion injuries are inevitable when construction workers push themselves beyond their physical limits. Some injuries take time to develop, while others may occur immediately. Keep reading to learn about some types of overexertion injuries.

• Back Injuries

Back injuries make up many musculoskeletal disorders resulting from construction work. These injuries include slipped discs, nerve damage, and muscle strain. These injuries are very common among construction workers and are effects of overexertion.

Back injuries are caused by frequent lifting, bending, reaching, and pulling heavy objects. As a result, the continual activity weakens the spine and may result in long-term issues and even early retirement.

• Repetitive Strain Injuries

Another musculoskeletal injury caused by overexertion is repetitive strain injury. This develops over time as a construction worker repeats body movements such as squatting. Bursitis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are repetitive strain injuries.

• Forceful Exertion Injuries

Unlike other injuries that accumulate over time, forceful exertion injuries happen instantly. They result from tasks such as lifting or pulling too much weight. These tasks place higher loads on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, causing them to sprain.

• Equipment Injuries

At construction sites, powerful machinery is used to get certain tasks done. Workers can get overexertion injuries from operating these machines for long periods. Repeated actions like pulling, pressing, turning, and even sitting may cause overexertion injuries.

• Ergonomic Injuries

Construction workers often maintain awkward and uncomfortable postures for long periods. This can cause stress and lead to pain in the joints and ligaments. Construction workers who proceed to work with pain face the risk of disabling and career-ending injuries.

• Vibration Injuries

Construction workers who are excessively exposed to vibrating tools can also experience injuries. The vibration transmitted into the hands can affect the nerves, muscles, joints, and blood vessels, which can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.

• Injuries From Extreme Temperature

A construction worker who works under weather conditions, either too cold or too hot, can experience overexertion injuries. Heat stress can lead to dehydration and dizziness; hypothermia can lead to impaired judgment and frostbite-related injuries.

Financial Issues Concerning Overexertion

As expected, if a construction worker is out of work due to injuries from the workplace, they may face financial consequences. However, a construction worker may be able to file a civil lawsuit, depending on some things. For example, what kind of contract did the worker sign with the employer?

Other things will also be considered, like whether the worker’s judgment was inhibited while working. In any case, hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer is the correct thing to do and will provide the worker with legal advice in filing a claim. Scott Silberman, workers’ compensation attorney of Silberman & Lam, dedicates his time to representing injured workers and their dependents. He states, “Getting medical benefits through workers’ compensation can be crucial to protecting your long-term financial security and physical health.”

Conclusion

Overexertion results from physically demanding jobs at a construction site. Injuries from overexertion can be serious and lead to forced retirement in workers. Therefore, learning about overexertion injuries is important in creating awareness for construction workers.