While slips and falls are the most common causes of death and injuries among roofers, there are other factors that cause roofing-related injuries and fatalities.
Did you know that roofers are twice as likely to die in a worksite accident than other construction workers? Every year, about 50 roofers are killed on the job. While slips and falls are the most common causes of death and injuries among roofers, there are other factors that cause roofing-related injuries and fatalities. Here’s a closer look at common causes of injuries and death among roofers.
Falling Objects
Improperly secured tools and materials such as ladders, parts of scaffolding, or construction debris can fall onto working roofers and injure them.
Heat-Related Injuries
During the summer months, roofers work in extreme heat from dawn to dusk. Unfortunately, this puts them at risk of severe dehydration, heatstroke, heat rashes, and heat exhaustion. They could also suffer sun-related conditions such as leathery skin, cornea disease, actinic keratosis, or skin cancer.
Electrocution
Since roofers work at high elevations, they can get electrocuted by lightning. They can also suffer injuries from touching exposed wires running under the roof.
Dangerous Tools
Roofers usually work with a range of dangerous tools such as electric drills, power roof cutters, nail guns, and hoists that can cause puncture wounds or even accidental amputations. In severe cases, these injuries can result in death.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBIs are serious injuries resulting from a fall or a significant blow to the head or body from heavy falling objects. TBI can cause severe neurological damages and life-altering complications.
Burns
Hot tar can splash or spill on a roofer, leading to severe burns that could be difficult to treat.
How Filing a Workplace Injury Claim Can Help Your Recovery Journey
Injuries resulting from roofing accidents can be costly to treat—you’ll have to dig deep into your pockets to cover your medical bills. What’s more, the injuries may take time to heal and cause you to miss work. Thankfully, you can generally file a workplace injury claim and receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and permanent disability.
However, the work injury claim process is usually complicated. It involves a lot of paperwork and constant back and forth negotiations with the insurance company. Sadly, without a legal background, the process can take a toll on you and pressure you to accept a low settlement. Therefore, it’s always recommended to work with an experienced St Louis workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure you get all of the benefits you are legally entitled to.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyers
Have you been injured in a roofing accident? Contact the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman. We have over 30 years of experience and can evaluate your case for free.