OSHA Defense

Material Handling Injuries in Construction Part 1

Construction is hard work that requires contractors and project managers to always consider the most effective way to complete projects while also being mindful of safety procedures. On a jobsite, there are often clear hazards right in front of your eyes, but there can also be hidden dangers you don’t recognize on the surface level. Either way, these things can impact the health and wellness of you and your workers.

In this two-part article, an OSHA lawyer will discuss one of the most underrated causes of injury in the construction workplace: when workers improperly lift and handle heavy materials. Remember, for any of your construction project legal needs, contact our experienced and knowledgeable OSHA lawyers.

Manual Material Handling Injuries

One of the most common causes of injury happens when workers handle materials. This is especially common in construction, manufacturing, and retail positions that require a lot of heavy lifting and transporting of items. When lifting, pushing, moving, or carrying materials,  the most common type of affliction workers experience is a soft tissue injury. Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries can occur quickly and with little warning. These injuries can also develop into debilitating, long-term injuries like a herniated disc or strained back, which may take the worker an extensive period of time to recover from.

Handling Tasks Can Lead to Accidents

Whether it’s a strain, sprain, tear, cut, puncture, contusion, fracture, inflammation, or nerve pain, improperly lifting heavy materials can immediately impact the health of a construction worker. Further, material handling jobs that require lifting and transporting massive or bulky items can also lead to other serious problems on the worksite.

For example, OSHA’s “Fatal Four” leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry can be closely related to tasks that require the handling of large materials. This includes workers that fall off ladders when they are transporting items or are struck-by or caught in-between hazards when moving bulky objects.

In the second section of this series, our OSHA lawyers will explain how to avoid these types of accidents from transpiring at your jobsite.   

If you would like to speak with an OSHA lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.