Construction Site Worker Injuries

Construction workers spend much of their time around large, heavy machinery. They must also often use power tools and other serious equipment to accomplish the tasks of their occupation. Furthermore, many construction jobs require that workers perform tasks high above the ground. All of these factors, along with many others, combine to make construction one of the most dangerous industries for workers.

In order to protect their workers, construction site managers must take special care in assuring that safety regulations and guidelines are carefully observed. The vast number of potential risks and tasks being performed in construction environments means that a situation can go from normal to life-threatening in a very short amount of time. There is no room for any leeway in regards to safety procedures.

There are many types of injuries that are unfortunately common on construction sites. Head injuries can occur when objects fall from upper levels of a worksite or are swinging from cranes. Even if the victim is wearing a hardhat, head injuries can result in concussions, skull fractures, brain injury, and even death can result from head trauma.

Severe spinal cord injuries can result from workers taking serious falls from high places. The results of such injuries can be catastrophic and permanent. Because the spine plays such an important role in the human body, spinal trauma can easily lead to paralysis or reduced limb function. If a worker is forced to carry too heavy of a load, less serious, but still long-lasting and painful spine issues can develop.

Working around hazardous and harsh chemicals means that construction workers are at risk for burns, fume inhalation, or chemical poisoning. If a negligent employer does not provide proper safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, the chance for workers to suffer from these types of injuries skyrockets. Workers that operate power saws and other tools should also be given the proper safety equipment to keep them from suffering serious cuts or gashes.

While working on construction sites inherently comes with a large number of health risks, construction worker employers are responsible for taking steps to minimize the hazards facing their employees. When a site manager acts negligently, it puts the wellbeing of all of the project's workers in jeopardy and if someone is hurt, the employer may be found liable for damages.

For more information about construction worker injuries, visit the website of Philadelphia workers' compensation attorneys Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

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Construction Worker - An Overview of the Career

For those people who are not interested in much education beyond high school level, a career as a construction worker is a good choice. A high school or GED certificate is enough to get a job doing physical labor at a construction site. If you want more specialized construction work, you should look into the possibility of apprenticeship training or skill classes at a community college, vocational or trade school.

If you are just out of high school and thinking about the type of career you want to pursue, you should consider applying for work as a common laborer at a construction site. In many instances jobs do not require belonging to a union; other types of work in construction go only to union members. About 14 percent of workers on construction sites belong to a union of some sort.

Workers are needed in every type of building site. They build houses and commercial buildings. Workers participate in building highways, bridges, tunnels and residential sites. High rise building construction is a totally different experience than building a spec house in a suburb, but workers are needed in both types of building.

Entry level jobs will vary depending on the type of construction site involved. A laborer may load or unload construction supplies and equipment. Site cleaning or preparation may be a part of the general duties. Tasks are usually low skill level, but may be physically demanding. In order to qualify for higher paying jobs, the worker needs to complete extra training. This is sometimes funded by the employer.

Workers participate in projects indoors or outdoors. They may work in all types of weather, although seriously inclement weather can result in shutting down the construction site for a period. Workers may or may not receive benefits such as health insurance. The work week usually is 40 hours with few if any paid holidays. Sometimes overnight travel is required such as when a highway crew is working at a distance from home base.

For those workers who want to advance, apprenticeships or trade school classes are typical. The worker may learn to operate specialized tools. Handling drills, jackhammers or more specialized construction tools is a way for the worker to improve skills. Some types of construction work require even more study and experience. Workers handling hazardous materials or those working underground must have special skills and training.

Wage expectations for construction personnel are related to the seniority or experience on the job and for the skill level required. In 2008, median wage levels were just under $14 per hour. Supervisory positions earn approximately twice as much on the average. Overtime work is not typical, but long hours may be needed if a project must be finished in a short time.

The job outlook for an entry level construction worker is better than average for the next decade. A combination of federally funded projects during attempts at economic recovery spending and green project jobs mean that about a twenty percent increase in jobs is projected. For the individual willing and able to do hard physical labor in all types of weather, this industry provides excellent opportunities.

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