In the world of workers’ compensation, we see a wide variety of injuries but there are certain injuries that seem to be common amongst certain professions. In this blog we will take a look at some of the different injuries that are common to carpenters, plumbers, electricians, building engineers, and other skilled laborers.
All of the above positions involve working in tight spaces. Whether you are installing a new piping or a new bathroom cabinet you are going to be bending, crouching, twisting, and squeezing yourself in order to tighten that last screw or twist a valve. These movements take a toll on your body, especially your neck and back. Over time, these movements can culminate in what we call a repetitive stress injury where you didn’t have one specific moment you injured yourself but instead are suffering from the proverbial “death by 1000 cuts.” Many people don’t realize that these strains and other related injured are compensable work injuries.
Another common motion these positions share is overhead lifting and reaching. A plumber dealing with overhead piping, an electrician running wiring through ductwork, a carpenter installing a new shelf above a refrigerator. All of these motions require you to exert force with your arms above your head. This can lead to wear and tear on the shoulders of worse a pop or sudden pain. Often this overhead reaching involves the use of drills or the lifting or heavy appliances.
Speaking of lifting, that is the last and perhaps most broad cause of injury to skilled laborers. Lifting wood beams, carrying a toolbox, moving an oven to reach an outlet. All of these strenuous activities can lead to injury.
Some injuries are obvious and some develop over time. Regardless of how quickly you begin to experience pain, it is important to contact an attorney if you believe you have been injured at work. Call 215-627-0700 for a free consultation with one or our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys today.