What Are the Greatest Amputation Risks for Construction Workers?

Construction workers in Los Angeles handle extremely challenging tasks on a day-to-day basis. Whether they are perched at the top of a tall high-rise building or engaged in smaller projects on homes and businesses across the city, the risk of serious injury is a constant concern.

One of the most severe and life-altering injuries frequently faced by construction workers is traumatic amputation. This involves a loss of an arm, leg, foot, hand, finger, toe, or other important body part in a serious accident. Here are seven of the greatest amputation risks for construction workers.

1.     Construction Falls

It is no secret that construction workers are frequently required to work at extreme heights. These workers are at risk of falling and suffering severe injuries as a result. Regrettably, even a minor mishap like tripping over a cord or a left-out pallet at their workstation, can lead to an amputation or loss of a limb. For instance, a common scenario looks like a construction worker stumbling over a misplaced pallet and falling on the blade of a sharp tool, causing severe injury. This injury may require amputation as determined by a medical professional.

2.     Hazardous Machinery and Tools

Construction workers frequently use dangerous machinery and tools to streamline their daily tasks. For example, they may use a power nail gun for faster nail insertion, sparing them from manual hammering. Many construction workers also operate large, heavy machinery capable of bending and shredding thick pieces of metal or other industrial materials. Although the general use of these types of machines proves extremely efficient, a momentary lapse in judgment or forgetting to turn off one of these machines can lead to devastating consequences. These machines do not differentiate between metal or their operator’s hand. As a result, a construction worker may suffer severe injuries to their extremities, requiring immediate amputation.

3.     Explosions

Many construction workers regularly handle electrical wires, chemicals, and flammable products. Unfortunately, working with these types of items carries a high risk of sudden explosions. In the event of an explosion, individuals may suffer serious burns, blast injuries, broken and fractured bones, among other injuries. Depending on the severity of the injuries and the extent of limb damage, a doctor may recommend amputation.

4.     Falling Objects

Falling objects are another common amputation risk for construction workers. Since multiple construction workers may be working on various floors and levels, there is a risk that a coworker may accidentally drop something from above, potentially causing injury. Additionally, if an unsecured object falls on a construction worker from above, it can result in limb injury or amputation, especially if the object is heavy or sharp.

5.     Caught in Between Accidents

Construction sites are often noisy and bustling, with everyone focused on their tasks to meet daily goals. Due to the noise and activity, it can be difficult to be aware of your surroundings. This can quickly lead to a caught in between accident. For example, if you need to grab something from an area and see a forklift driver heading in your direction, you may motion for the forklift driver to stop and even yell to them that you are grabbing something. If they fail to see or hear you, they may continue driving. In such cases, you may try to move as quickly as possible to avoid being hit, but your leg gets caught in between the forklift and another object. Although the doctor may run tests to assess the severity of your injury, amputation is a common consequence of this situation.

6.     Vehicle Collisions

Construction vehicles are frequently used to move heavy equipment and objects. If you are driving one of these vehicles and the brakes fail, your options may be limited to jumping off or letting the vehicle collide with something to come to a stop. Both scenarios can result in amputation. Jumping off may lead to injury from landing on sharp objects or severe leg damage due to the fall. Alternatively, waiting for a collision can result in amputation and other traumatic injuries due to the impact and force of the crash.

7.     Improper, Inadequate, or Missing Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is very important for construction workers. For example, power tools must be equipped with certain guards to prevent severe injuries. Without such guards, a worker could be in the middle of using the tool and accidentally sever a finger. Moreover, the type of work a construction worker is engaged in may necessitate specific protective gear, such as steel-toed boots.

However, if a construction company does not provide this equipment, a worker decides not to wear it, or if there is an issue with the efficacy of the steel-toed boots, the worker may drop a sharp tool or heavy piece of metal on their toe or foot, resulting in a deep laceration. If medical professionals are unable to control the bleeding and suture the wound, amputation may become necessary.

If you are a Los Angeles construction worker who has lost a limb, the construction accident attorneys at McNicholas & McNicholas are here for you. With our experience and knowledge, we know amputations are one of the most physically and emotionally painful injuries that a person may endure. Because of that, we do not believe that you should go through this challenging journey alone. While you focus on rehabilitation and rebuilding your life, our amputation injury lawyers will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you are owed. To schedule your virtual case evaluation, contact our firm today.

This blog should not be used as legal advice. Each person’s case is unique and different. Therefore, if you are interested in receiving legal advice about your case, please consult with a lawyer to get the advice you need based on your facts and circumstances.