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Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States when considering how many people are injured on the job every year. Whether they are struck by a falling object, are crushed between two objects, or fall from a scaffold, construction workers face a host of dangerous situations.
Protecting workers from the Fatal Four
Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions that people in Wauwatosa can engage in. The unique nature of the work, the resources used in accomplishing it and the conditions that it is performed in all contribute to the dangers that its participants face. According to information shared by the Laborer's Health & Safety Fund of North America, one in five of the workplace fatalities that were reported in 2016 occurred in the construction industry.
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome
You hear jokes about jobs that can kill you and likely conjure up images of police involved in altercations, firefighters combating blazes, or constructions workers laboring in extreme conditions. Sitting at a desk all day on Wauwatosa likely is not something that you would classify as dangerous. Yet as many of those that our team here at Paul M. Erspamer, S.C. have discovered, on-the-job injuries that occur in the office can be just as debilitating as those that happen in other industries. Among the more common of these is carpal tunnel syndrome.
What causes rotator cuff tears?
Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries that occur. A sudden, traumatic injury has the potential to cause a rotator cuff tear, but they can also result from degenerative wear and tear on the tendons of the shoulder over time. Performing certain jobs can increase your likelihood of a rotator cuff tear. According to the Mayo Clinic, repetitive overhead arm movements are a significant risk factor for a tear. These types of movement are often necessary for jobs related to construction, such as carpentry or painting. Other risk factors include family history, age and playing certain sports.
Can slip-and-fall incidents happen at your work?
Wisconsin workers like you trust that your place of employment meets universal standards when it comes to safety matters. But did you know that a lot of big safety issues can be hiding in plain sight? Many slip and fall incidents come from problems that could have easily been avoided, but can also be easy to miss.
Is a back injury from shoveling snow covered by worker's comp?
There is one thing that almost everyone in Wisconsin has in common: snow. You may work as a retail cashier, a barista, a construction site lead or an architect. Regardless of your walk of life, there is a good chance that you will shovel snow at some point in your life — even if it is simply to dig your car out of a drift.
What rights does an injured worker have?
If you work in Wisconsin, you may be aware that a workers' compensation program exists and that this program is designed to help people if they are hurt while at work. The benefits available under workers' compensation may include financial compensation for time lost from work as well as medical treatment for any injuries. An employee has very specific rights granted by the workers' compensation program and every worker should know these.
Is stress a workplace injury?
When people talk about getting injured on the job, many think of a physical injury, such as a broken bone, laceration or traumatic brain injury. There are instances, however, where a workplace injury is not physical at all. Psychological injuries, including stress and anxiety, can limit your ability to perform your job. In some cases, they can cause long-lasting mental disabilities. Stressful work environments occur across many industries in the Wisconsin and the United States. If the problem is chronic, workers may have the legal rights to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Traumatic brain injuries in the workplace
Traumatic brain injuries occur across many different industries in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. While certain workplaces, such as construction sites and warehouses, may see higher incidents of TBI, brain injuries can occur in any work environment. Slip-and-fall accidents from clutter on the floor or inappropriate working conditions, can lead to this serious type of head and brain injury. Large objects could fall on an employee’s head, causing a sudden jolt that causes brain tissue damage. When these accidents occur, brain tissue may begin to swell and bleed, causing long-term damage if not attended to in a timely manner. In some cases, however, workers may not even know they have a brain injury, as some of the symptoms are similar to other sicknesses. Furthermore, symptoms may not appear for days or weeks following the injury.
Wisconsin sees third consecutive jump in workplace deaths
If you or one of your family members in Wisconsin works in an industry known to be dangerous, like construction or transportation, you will want to know what companies and the state may be doing to keep these employees safe. Having an idea of how many people are involved in serious accidents may also provide insight into how effective any safety efforts actually are.
