Workers can incur spinal injuries in many professions. Office workers, mechanics, janitors and nurses are just a few professions that face the risk of spinal injury. But by far, the most hazardous job for spinal injuries is construction work.
Construction work is physically demanding and comes with many hazards. As a result, construction workers face an unusually high likelihood of incurring traumatic spinal injuries.
Danger for construction workers
A recent study from an Australian university has important implications for construction workers in New York City. Researchers at the University of New South Wales found that 50 percent of workplace spinal cord injuries occur in the construction industry. Of these, 78 percent were caused by falls from ladders, scaffolding or tall structures. This study, while not specific to the United States, demonstrates that construction work is a dangerous industry for people all around the world—including New York.
What to do if you experience a spinal injury
If you are at work and injure your spine, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. You should do this before anything else. Then, you should gather the names sand contact information of any witnesses—including your supervisor, coworkers or bystanders.
After you take these steps, you should consider taking legal action to seek compensation for your injury. You may be entitled to compensation for damages including medical treatment, emotional trauma and lost wages.
No construction worker should have to experience a spinal injury. If it happens to you, know your rights. Your employer is required to provide a safe workplace, and you deserve compensation for your damages.