Injuries Among Specialty Trade Construction Contractors
Specialty trade contractors perform particular activities, such as site preparation, electrical work, plumbing, and painting. Similar to general contractors, specialty trade contractors are involved in many different types of construction projects. Unlike general contractors, they’re not responsible for the entire project.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 633 specialty trade contractors were killed on the job during 2016. The most common causes of specialty trade contractor injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Struck-by accidents
- Overexertion due to lifting or lowering heavy objects
Specialty Trade Contractor Injuries
Specialty trade contractors who are particularly vulnerable to on-the-job injuries include:
- Electricians. Electricians may be hurt due to:
- Shocks. Electrical shocks typically occur when workers come into contact with equipment or wiring, leading to cardiac arrest or nerve damage.
- Burns. Direct contact with current may cause electrical burns, and arc flashes and blasts can lead to thermal burn injuries.
- Falls. Electrical workers often fall from ladders and other heights, leading to broken bones and spinal cord damage.
- Plumbers. Specialty trade contractors working as plumbers are vulnerable to:
- Repetitive motion injuries. Plumbers frequently suffer from soft tissue damage to the neck and shoulders, back injuries, and muscle strains due to repetitive motions.
- Hearing loss. Loud pipes, heavy machinery, and banging tools often lead to loss of hearing.
- Painters. Painting injuries may include:
- Toxic exposure. Painters are frequently exposed to toxic chemicals found in solvents, paint strippers, and paint dust.
- Lung and respiratory diseases. Acute exposure to paint fumes may lead to asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
- Falls. Physical falls may result in broken bones, cuts, and abrasions.
You Need an Attorney
An injury suffered during the course of your duties on a construction site may result in a lot of missed work. You may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits for the loss of income and medical expenses.
You need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you receive the benefits you deserve. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.