A humble and modest way of earning a living is by doing jobs related to construction. The payout isn’t as big as a doctor or a lawyer, but the work is totally rewarding. Nothing can beat the feeling when you see a big and tall structure you helped raise. With all the glamor and glory that comes with it, working in construction sites comes with risks and potentially life-threatening injuries. In Australia, according to statistics from Safe Work Australia – just this year, even in the middle of the Corona break out, 131 workers were already fatally injured in their workplace.The numbers don’t lie since up until now there are a lot of active injury cases, according to an expert personal injury lawyer.
Having said that, here are some common and outright bizarre injuries that happen in construction work sites. Also included, are ways to treat or prevent them. Ones worse than others, but in any case, it is always recommended, depending on your specific circumstances, to reach out to a lawyer willing and ready to help you out.
Hammering a Thumb
Although a lot of people use nail guns, hammers are still in use today. Accidents occur when carpenters or workers strike carelessly and miss their aim. Swollen thumbs are the usual result of broken thumbs. In case this happens, apply ice to the swollen area and allow rest for tissues or possibly bones to heal.
Nails going through the hand or finger
Also, another common injury involving hammers and nails is when workers underestimate the depth of an object they are nailing together. In regular occurrences, a nail can just hit and inflict a small wound in an area. In much more severe cases, a pin can go right through a finger or a hand. Do not remove the nail and attempt to separate the injured person from the object. Immediately call emergency services and clean the wound in the meantime.
Small pieces of material fall into a worker’s mouth
Often considered to be one of the most bizarre construction site injuries, this sometimes happens to workers who break protocol. This accident often happens when someone is sleeping in an area where they shouldn’t be in the first place. Sometimes people sleep and open their mouth involuntarily, and foreign material can get inside. If this happens and the worker is choking, immediately do the Heimlich maneuver and call others for help.
Tiny pieces of scrap metal injures a worker’s eye while wearing PPE
PPE or Personal Protective Equipment is used entirely for protection in the construction area. Although considered a freak accident, sometimes these tiny pieces of scrap often shatter eyewear especially if it is old or due for replacement. If this happens, immediately flush the eye with running water to dislodge any foreign material inside the eye. Call for help immediately.
Accidentally sawing off a finger
Truly horrifying, this accident comes out from a Hollywood horror movie. In reality, it can happen and can inflict severe damage. Accidents of this nature occur when a worker becomes distracted and cannot focus on a task. As a result, fingers often get cut off. When this happens, stopping the bleeding is the main priority. Afterward, try to recover the dismembered finger and place it inside a bag with ice to preserve it. Believe it or not, Doctors can sometimes salvage amputated fingers if possible.
Credits and Takeaway (About the guest author, Christian Foyle)
Christian Foyle started Foyle Legal in 2012. Since then Foyle Legal has grown from a solo practice into one of WA’s largest local personal injury compensation law firms. Foyle Legal has been consistently rated as a top compensation law firm by Doyle’s Guide, ThreeBestRated, and APAC Insider. Christian is a member of Lawyers of Distinction, and Australian Lawyers Alliance. He has been recommended by peers and independent rating agencies as leading workers compensation lawyers and public liability lawyers in Western Australia. He has also co-authored publications on motor vehicle accident injury compensation claims in Western Australia, and has appeared in the Newspaper to provide expert opinion for matters relating to personal injury compensation in Western Australia. Christian’s work in advocating the right of injured people has helped to transform the lives of many injured people and their family. Check his youtube channel.
Worst kind of accidents can sometimes happen in a construction site. In construction sites, safety is of the utmost priority. If mishaps do occur, it pays to be patient and calm about the situation to properly administer first aid. Contact emergency services even after administering first aid successfully. Lastly, make sure you are compensated fairly, get help from a personal injury lawyer for the claims you deserve.
