3 Common Causes Of Amputations On Construction Sites

Construction sites can be dangerous places for workers. When trying to perform your job duties, you may be vulnerable to falls, electrocutions, broken bones and other potentially life-altering injuries. You may also suffer an amputation either at work or as the result of a work-related injury.

With an annual average of approximately 1.4 amputations per 10,000 construction workers, construction-related amputations are not exactly rare. While amputations can happen for a seemingly endless number of reasons, three causes are common on construction sites.

1. Equipment malfunctions

When your equipment works properly, it helps you complete construction projects quickly and proficiently. If something goes wrong with the equipment you use, though, the malfunction may cause you to sustain a serious injury. Unfortunately, if you work with heavy, sharp or moving equipment, you likely have some amputation risk from faulty equipment.

2. Motor vehicle accidents

While your tools and construction equipment may be dangerous to use, you also have some injury risk every time you climb into a motor vehicle. Whether you are in a truck, forklift, crane or another type of construction vehicle, a motor vehicle accident may leave you with injuries that require doctors to amputate a limb.

3. Missing safety equipment

Saws and other power tools often have guards and other safety components. If these items are missing, you may inadvertently amputate a digit or limb in an equipment-related accident. The same may be true if you fail to wear personal protective gear.

Your PPE may protect you from many of the common causes of amputations on construction sites. If you neglect to wear PPE or wear it incorrectly, however, you may suffer a potentially life-threatening amputation at work.