Pipefitters Exposed to Serious Workplace Injury – St. Louis Work Injury Lawyers

When working construction sites, pipefitters often find themselves in the middle of dangerous situations and hazardous conditions.

In the United States, there are around 400,000 pipefitters, steamfitters, and plumbers, working to keep our homes and buildings running smoothly. The nature of the work is dangerous, and this profession experiences a higher than average rate of injuries. In many cases, these injuries are serious enough to leave a worker permanently disabled.

Safety Regulations for Pipefitters

When working construction sites, pipefitters often find themselves in the middle of dangerous situations and hazardous conditions. When several companies share a single worksite, the risk of a workplace accident occurring increases considerably. Rules and regulations established by OSHA govern work sites. Safety regulations are included for pipefitters, steamfitters, and plumbers:

• Clearly marked electrical hazards.
• Proper warning labels on flammable storage.
• Properly installed and inspected scaffolding for elevated piping.
• Proper training and support for crane operators responsible for placing large pipes.
• Compressed gas should be kept away from welding areas or protected by a flame-resistant shield.
• Workplaces must be free from hazards that include dangerous chemicals, open flames, and electrical wiring.

Work-Related Injuries

Despite safety regulations, accidents involving pipefitters are prevalent. These accidents often lead to many different types of injuries including:

• neck injury
• back injury
• shoulder injury
• burns
• broken bones
• brain injuries
• electrocution
• crushed between or pinned under injury
• hearing loss
• loss of limbs
• paralysis

Some of these injuries can leave an injured pipefitter permanently disabled. Paralysis and amputations can be life-changing. Even seemingly minor injuries involving the back or shoulders may worsen over time and cause chronic pain if not treated properly.

Common Hazards Faced by Pipefitters

Pipefitters often have to work in dangerous conditions. Working at heights or near trenches and being in close vicinity of large machinery and moving equipment exposes pipefitters to the risk of accidents. Some of the most common hazards that pipefitters face at their workplace include:

• falling objects
• fire/explosions
• cranes
• dangerous scaffolding
• excavation/trenching
• forklifts
• onsite transportation
• earth movers

St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Unfortunately, workplace accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. While employers’ responsibility is to keep providing a safe workplace to their workers, sometimes employees are subject to hazardous conditions that can lead to serious accidents. If you have been injured at the workplace, discuss your case with a St. Louis work-related injury lawyer to understand your rights. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.

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