Drywall installation is often needed for new construction, building, and home improvement projects. Hazards are inherent within the construction industry, and drywall installers are not exempt from facing many dangers and accidents that can cause serious injuries. Those who do become injured in this line of work could need to take months to recover, or their injuries may damage their ability to work or perform their daily activities indefinitely. Fortunately, there are workers’ compensation benefits to protect them for those very reasons.
Common Causes of a Drywall Installer’s on-the-Job Accidents
Drywall work is a physically demanding job, and the pace of work is often fast, especially if a project is behind schedule. Here are the main drywall accidents that occur:
Heavy lifting
Overexertion injuries are all too common for contractors. Drywall installers are often dealing with heavy drywall sheets that may be 55lbs to over 120lbs throughout each workday. Sometimes bending is often needed while they are lifting, which can lead to workers suffering from overexertion soft tissue injuries, such as back, spine, and shoulder injuries. These could be severe and require rest, medication, and physical therapy for extended periods before they are properly healed.
Repetitive movements
Drywall installation requires repetitive tasks such as taping, sanding, and cutting. Repetitive movement in this line of work may result in injuries to the contractor’s hands and wrists, such as trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome, back strains, sprains, and many other injuries. Some instances could lead to a worker suffering from chronic pain and movement limitations that prevent workers from performing the physically demanding tasks that are unavoidable in the installation process.
Falls
Falls are another main reason why drywall workers become injured on the job, and in some instances, these falls lead to death. Working from heights or handling drywall sheets can easily result in workers losing their balance and falling. Tools, debris, and other construction materials can also pose fall risks for workers. The falls can lead to traumatic brain injury, broken bones, fractures, internal organ damage, or spinal cord damage.
Long work shifts
Many soft tissue injuries that drywall installers experience become much worse when contractors do not take enough time to rest and recover during the workday or if they work long hours. Injuries such as strains and sprains often need more time to heal, and a worker may be forced to take time off work as the pain becomes worse.
Cold weather
Drywall installers working on construction sites are often exposed to intense weather conditions. This can cause circulation issues and make repetitive strain injuries much more likely to occur.
Stress-related accidents
Drywall installers are often working under high pressure in effort to complete the tasks quickly. This makes falls, improper lifting, and a wide variety of instances much more likely. Working with an unrealistic work schedule is often the reason for accidents.
Prevention
Certain drywall accidents can be prevented if employers take appropriate safety measures such as using work-saving equipment like drywall jacks or lifts to reduce the repetitive movements and overexertion that lead to injuries. They can also practice storing materials safely so that they do not become tripping hazards. All workers should also be well informed on safe lifting practices and schedule realistic workloads to avoid accidents caused by rushing. Also, be sure to Obtain the Workers’ Comp Benefits that are right for your business so you are properly protected.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (636) 947-1177.