What Every Construction Worker Should Know About Hammer Injuries

Out of all of the possible injury risks on your construction site, your hammer and nails likely didn't top the list of accident concerns. The good news is it's improbable that you'll die from a hammer and nail incident. The bad news is you may suffer a really painful injury and require medical treatment.

If you're hurt in a hammer-related accident, then you could suffer:

• A broken bone. You may break a bone in your finger, thumb, or hand if they're accidentally hit with the hammer. Similarly, you may break a bone in your toe or foot if you drop the hammer.
• An eye injury. When you strike something with a hammer, debris can fly in your face. If you're not wearing safety goggles, then you could suffer an eye injury that impacts your vision.
• A brain injury. A traumatic brain injury is possible if someone else is working with a hammer on an elevated surface and the hammer is accidentally dropped on your head.

Sometimes hammer accidents are avoidable. A hammer accident might not occur if:

• Tools are checked for cracks or other problems before use.
• Construction workers are trained on how to properly use hammers. Although the tool seems pretty basic, it's still an employer's responsibility to train all people on the right safety precautions for equipment.  
• Employees are attentive. Distracted workers make mistakes.

If you suffered a hammer injury, don't just brush it off. Seek medical attention right away. Based on your prognosis, it's possible you'll have to take time off work to heal effectively. How will you deal with medical bills and lost wages?

You Deserve a Fair Recovery

If this was a job-related accident, you have the right to report your injury to your employer, get medical attention, and contact an experienced Houston work injury lawyer. You may have a workers’ comp claim, or if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, then you may be able to file a lawsuit.

To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

Related Links: Workers’ Compensation Claims vs. Non-Subscriber Lawsuits Defective Equipment Hazards on Construction Sites Minor Construction Injuries Still Warrant Workers’ Compensation

 

What Every Construction Worker Should Know About Hammer Injuries