A construction worker is exposed to different injuries and accidents, making construction a highly dangerous job. One of the most common injuries that construction workers suffer is a back injury. According to a study, 40% of construction workers over the age of 50 face chronic back pain. This injury doesn’t just cause physical problems; it also becomes a financial obstacle for the victims. A worker needs to stay away from work for a long period of time if they experience a back injury.
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Types of Back Injuries
It is not that back injuries can be some light muscle strains that can be cured by using OTC medication. A construction worker can face different types of back injuries, like
- Sprains and strains – These happen due to overstretching of muscles in the back.
- Bulging discs – These happen when the discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge.
- Fractured vertebrae – These happen from the breaking of any bone in the back.
- Sciatica – It involves compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Causes of Back Injuries
The daily work of a construction worker makes them vulnerable to back injuries. There are several reasons that can cause a back injury to a construction worker.
- Bending for long periods
One of the prime reasons behind back injuries among construction workers is bending for extended periods of time. It’s impossible to maintain good form while working in the construction field. One needs to bend for a long period of time while working on the floor or roof. They will have to stay bent for a long time, leading to problems in the back.
- Heavy lifting
Another big reason behind back pain among construction workers is lifting heavy materials. Lifting heavy materials like metal rods or sets of bricks can cause muscle strains or even severe spine injuries. Not maintaining the right posture while lifting any heavy material can lead to severe back injuries. Moving fast and holding any heavy materials can also cause back injuries.
- Exposure to vibration
Prolonged exposure to vibration at construction sites can be another big reason behind back injuries. Using different machines, like jackhammers, is essential in construction areas. These machines can cause severe back injuries. The vibrations transmitted through the body can also lead to muscle fatigue.
How to Prevent Back Injuries?
As prevention is better than cure, it’s important to keep several points in mind to prevent suffering back injuries while working in the construction field. Here are some:
- Use carts to move heavy materials
- Raise the height of your work to waist level
- Don’t twist your body while lifting or lowering heavy materials
- Be steady while lifting or lowering materials, and don’t jerk them
- Take frequent breaks
Conclusion
All construction workers must work safely to avoid back injuries. But in the event of any such back injuries, one can claim compensation for treatment from the employer.
Claiming compensation from an employer can be complicated. In such instances, it is recommended to seek the help of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
