Construction workers in Ohio and around the country are at risk for a range of different kinds of on-the-job injuries. Though safety on construction sites has improved significantly over the last 25 years, strains and sprains are still a big problem. Muscle, tendon, nerve and joint injuries cost construction workers about $46 million in lost wages in 2014.
A study conducted by the Center for Construction Research found that work-related musculoskeletal disorders, or WMSDs, are usually caused by factors like overexertion and awkward body postures. Exposure to vibration and a lot of bending and twisting can also lead to WMSDs. According to the study, over 40 percent of WMSDs affect the back.
Researchers conducted the study on construction injuries by analyzing data from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the Current Population Survey and the Occupational Employment Statistics. The data that was used in the study was gathered between 1992 and 2014. While WMSDs were found to be a significant problem for construction workers, researchers did report that there was a big decline in WMSDs between 1992 and 2014. Some of the factors that contributed to higher injury rates in construction workers were age and the length of time on the job.
Most construction workers who are injured on the job are eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, which can include partial wage replacement as well as the payment of certain medical expenses. An attorney can often help to ensure that the claim contains all necessary documentation and is filed on time.