Millions of construction workers nationwide, including in San Diego, put their health and safety on the line every day. Their jobs are physically demanding, and the high number of workplace injuries suffered in this industry each year is not surprising. Safety authorities report that the most common injuries that cause construction workers to miss workdays are musculoskeletal disorders that result from material handling and repetitive motions.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says safety on construction sites is in the interest of all, including human resource managers, safety specialists, contractors, unions, supervisors and construction workers. The agency says MSDs result from workers’ bodies being pushed beyond their natural limits. Workers are often required to work in awkward positions while they have to kneel, crouch, grip, lift, twist, stretch and reach over or up to get their jobs done.
Torn, sprained and strained muscles, ligaments and tendons are almost par for the course for construction workers. Other work-related musculoskeletal disorders that are prevalent include carpal tunnel syndrome, torn rotator cuffs and tendinitis. These conditions are known to cause chronic pain, and they cause long-term health problems.
Some construction workers in San Diego continue working despite the pain caused by MSDs for fear of losing their jobs or being unable to care for their families if they have to cope with medical bills and lost wages. Injured workers might find comfort in learning that the California workers’ compensation insurance system will likely address those financial problems, allowing them to recover and return to work. Further assistance is available from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help with the navigation of benefits claims.