Common Construction Injuries in Illinois

Construction jobs are some of the most demanding work in the country, requiring constant vigilance in stressful work environments. Unfortunately, not all injuries are preventable, but understanding the common causes of Illinois construction injuries can protect workers from mild altercations to traumatic injuries.

Filing workers’ compensation claims can be challenging, and they often do not cover everything, costing injured workers financial assistance and the treatment needed to recover fully. In Illinois, construction accidents account for the highest number of fatal occupational accidents out of all industries. Illinois construction workers provide a valuable service to the state and ensuring a safe work environment should be a top priority.

Falls, Slip, and Trips

Falls are among the most common sources of construction injuries in the construction sector. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 46% of all fatal falls occurred in the construction industry. With almost one in five workplace deaths in the construction sector, a little over one-third were caused by falls, slips, and trips.

Construction work is often performed from heights, uneven surfaces, and environments exposed to the elements that can make surfaces slick. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) improperly or the lack of training in using PPE add to these devastating but often preventable accidents.

Crush Injuries

Crush injuries occur when a part of the body or the entire body becomes compressed by pressure on a body part, usually becoming squeezed between fixed objects. Crush injuries can be deadly and, when not treated promptly, can lead to the death of tissue in the body due to the deprivation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Crush injuries can result in the following injuries:

• Compartment syndrome
• Broken bones and fractures
• Compound fractures
• Nerve damage
• Amputation

Constant situational awareness is instrumental in preventing these devastating injuries.

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Occurring suddenly or over time, musculoskeletal injuries can be ongoing. Broken bones can be set into place, but these injuries are often created from repetitive motions occurring daily on the job site. These injuries can result in minor muscle or tendon overstretching or lead to major tissue tears.

Many construction workers try to work through the minor aches and pains only ending up with debilitating pain and the creation of musculoskeletal injuries such as:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Back injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Elbow injuries
• Pinched nerve
• Hernia

Never ignore pains that stem from work-related motions.

Struck-By Injuries

Injuries from a violent impact or contact with equipment or other objects and a person are called struck-by injuries, denoting that an individual is struck by something. These injuries cost over $1 billion in workers’ compensation in the construction industry in one year. Falling objects, work equipment, vehicles, tools, cranes, and scaffolding contribute to these injuries.

Electrocution

Approximately 44% of fatal injuries from electrocution occurred in the construction and extraction industry, with some sources reporting higher numbers. Electrocution often causes death, severe burns, and heart attack. Numerous situations can lead to electrocution, including:

• Overhead power lines
• Overloaded circuits
• Damaged equipment
• Exposed electrical parts
• Wet conditions
• Improper grounding

Training to recognize electrical dangers is imperative in preventing these deadly injuries.

Springfield Workers Compensation Attorney

Holley, Rosen & Beard, LLC understand the devastation a construction injury can cause. Because of the need to focus on healing and medical treatment, many Illinois construction workers miss the deadline for filing injury claims to receive the compensation they deserve. Our team of Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys offers free consultations to begin focusing on financial compensation, allowing workers to set their sights on a complete comeback from common but debilitating construction injuries.