Overexertion Injuries Are a Leading Risk for Construction Workers

Get legal help today from an experienced New York workers’ compensation lawyer

Construction work is physically demanding, and anyone who has spent time on a job site knows how exhausting it can be. Workers lift heavy materials, operate power tools, and perform repetitive motions, all of which take a toll on the body. The effort required to build bridges, tunnels, and skyscrapers pushes workers to their limits, often leading to painful injuries that don’t go away overnight.

Overexertion is one of the leading causes of injuries in construction. Without proper safety measures, you may find yourself facing chronic pain or even permanent disabilities. Understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent injuries can make a huge difference in your health and ability to continue earning a living.

If you find yourself suffering from an overexertion injury on the job, seek help from an experienced New York workers’ compensation attorney who can offer you guidance and legal advocacy.

What makes construction workers prone to overexertion?

Several factors put construction workers at risk for overexertion injuries. The nature of the job requires constant movement, lifting, and pulling. Over time, these physical demands wear down muscles and joints. Some of the most common risk factors include:

Heavy lifting and carrying: Construction workers frequently move large materials like beams, cement bags, and tools, putting strain on their backs, shoulders, and arms.
Repetitive motions: Tasks such as hammering, sawing, and drilling involve the same movements over and over, leading to muscle fatigue and joint pain.
Awkward postures: Bending, twisting, kneeling, or reaching overhead for long periods strains the spine, joints, and muscles.
Vibration from tools: Power tools like jackhammers and drills expose workers to constant vibration, which can cause nerve damage and muscle fatigue over time.
Extreme temperatures: Heat stress can lead to dehydration and exhaustion, while cold weather can cause stiff muscles and reduced blood circulation.
Rushing to complete tasks: Trying to finish work quickly often leads to improper lifting techniques, pushing the body beyond its limits and increasing the likelihood of strains and sprains.

Without proper breaks, safe lifting techniques, and ergonomic tools, workers are at an even higher risk of injury. Over time, minor aches and pains can turn into serious health issues that require medical attention or even surgery.

What are the most common overexertion injuries in construction?

Overexertion can lead to a variety of work-related injuries, some of which develop over time, while others occur suddenly. Some of the most frequent injuries construction workers experience include:

Back injuries: Lifting heavy objects, bending repeatedly, or standing for long hours can cause muscle strains, slipped discs, and even nerve damage.
Repetitive strain injuries: Constantly performing the same motions, like kneeling or gripping tools, can cause inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness.
Severe muscle strains: Lifting a weight that’s too heavy or twisting the wrong way while carrying something can result in pulled muscles, torn ligaments, and long recovery periods.
Hand and wrist injuries: Operating machinery, pulling levers, or twisting knobs can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and reduced grip strength.
Posture-related injuries: Working in awkward positions for extended periods, like reaching above the head or kneeling, puts excessive stress on joints and muscles.
Vibration injuries: Prolonged use of vibrating tools can lead to numbness, tingling, and even permanent nerve damage.
Heat and cold stress injuries: Working in extreme weather conditions can cause dehydration, dizziness, frostbite, or impaired judgment.

Some of these injuries happen suddenly, while others develop over months or even years. Many workers push through the pain, not realizing how serious the damage has become until it starts interfering with their daily lives.

How can construction workers protect themselves from overexertion?

Preventing overexertion injuries starts with simple changes to daily work habits. Workers can reduce their risk by:

Using proper lifting techniques: Squatting instead of bending, keeping loads close to the body, and using leg muscles instead of the back can prevent strains.
Using equipment to assist with heavy loads: Hand trucks, carts, and lifting straps help reduce physical strain and prevent injuries.
Avoiding overloading: Taking multiple trips or asking for help when carrying heavy materials prevents excessive strain on muscles and joints.
Taking regular breaks: Stretching and resting between physically demanding tasks can relieve muscle tension and prevent fatigue.
Rearranging workstations for better ergonomics: Keeping frequently used tools within reach reduces unnecessary bending and twisting.
Recognizing early warning signs: Numbness, tingling, swelling, or persistent aches are signs that the body needs rest and possibly medical attention.

What responsibilities do employers have in preventing overexertion injuries?

Employers play a crucial role in keeping workers safe. Many overexertion injuries happen because of unrealistic workloads, poor training, and unsafe working conditions. Some of the ways employers contribute to injuries include:

Failing to provide proper training: Without education on safe lifting techniques and injury prevention, workers are more likely to get hurt.
Overworking employees: Not allowing enough time for rest breaks increases fatigue and the risk of overexertion.
Forcing workers to exceed their physical limits: Assigning tasks that require more strength or endurance than a worker has can lead to severe injuries.
Ignoring safety hazards: Poor ventilation, extreme temperatures, and unsafe lifting conditions all contribute to workplace injuries.

Employers must take steps to reduce overexertion risks, including providing ergonomic tools, enforcing break schedules, and ensuring proper lifting techniques are followed. When employers fail to prioritize safety, workers pay the price.

Can construction workers get compensation for overexertion injuries?

If you’re a construction worker injured due to overexertion, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. If an injury happens on the job, you should take the following actions:

Report the injury immediately

As soon as an overextension injury happens, you should notify your employer or supervisor. Don’t hesitate to report your injury due to fear of retaliation or assume the pain will go away on its own. Waiting too long can jeopardize your claim.

Reporting an injury right away also helps create a clear record of what happened. If an employer later disputes the claim, a prompt report can serve as evidence that your injury was job-related.

Seek medical attention

See a doctor right away, even if your overexertion injury seems minor. These injuries often get worse over time, and without medical records, your employer or insurance company might argue that your injury isn’t work-related or serious enough for benefits.

A doctor’s evaluation confirms your injury and creates a timeline that strengthens your workers’ compensation claim. Follow all recommended treatments, including physical therapy or modified work duties. Ignoring medical advice could give the insurance company a reason to deny or reduce your benefits.

File a workers’ compensation claim

Once your injury has been reported and documented by a medical professional, the next step is filing a formal workers’ compensation claim by completing Form C-3.

The claims process varies by state, and deadlines apply. Workers should ensure they complete all necessary paperwork correctly and submit it within the required timeframe. In some cases, employers or insurance companies may try to delay or deny claims, arguing that the injury was preexisting or not work-related. If a claim is denied, an injured worker may need to appeal the decision, which can be complex and time-consuming.

When should an injured worker contact a lawyer?

While some workers’ compensation claims are straightforward, many face challenges. Employers or insurance companies may dispute the severity of the injury, delay payments, or deny benefits altogether. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help workers:

Gather strong medical evidence to support their claim
Navigate the appeals process if their claim is denied
Negotiate settlements to cover long-term medical expenses and lost wages
Protect against employer retaliation, such as wrongful termination or demotion

Unfortunately, not all claims are approved right away. Your employer may try to deny your claim by arguing that your injury wasn’t work-related or that you had a preexisting condition. In these situations, a New York workers’ compensation lawyer can fight for your rights and get the benefits you deserve.

Why is overexertion a serious issue in construction?

Overexertion injuries don’t just cause temporary pain; they can lead to long-term disabilities that make it impossible to continue working. Without proper precautions, workers may develop chronic back problems, joint pain, and mobility issues that follow them for the rest of their lives.

Preventing overexertion injuries should be a priority for both workers and employers. By recognizing the risks, practicing safe lifting techniques, and enforcing workplace safety measures, construction workers can protect their health and avoid unnecessary suffering. Workers who experience injuries should also understand their rights and seek legal help if their workers’ compensation claim is denied.

Let a New York workers’ comp lawyer fight for the benefits you deserve

A construction accident can leave you injured, out of work, and struggling with medical bills. The workers’ compensation process in New York can be confusing, especially if your benefits are delayed or denied. That’s where the dedicated legal team at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP comes in.

For over 90 years, our New York attorneys have fought for injured workers so they can get the medical care and financial support they need. Whether you fell from a ladder, got hurt by heavy equipment, or suffered another job site injury, our experienced New York workers’ compensation lawyers know how to build strong claims and push back against unfair denials.

We handle everything from filing paperwork to representing you in hearings. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. We know the law, we know the system, and we don’t back down. If you were hurt on the job, contact us online or call us for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in NYC and across New York State.

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