The Most Common Construction Site Hand Injuries
Construction sites, always bustling with complex and dangerous activity, present a myriad of potential injury hazards, especially for the hands. Hand injuries are a significant concern in the construction industry, accounting for a high proportion of nonfatal injuries, impacting worker productivity and well-being.
Falls, struck-by object incidents, and cuts from tools and equipment are among the leading causes of hand injury among construction workers. Even minor hand injuries can have lasting consequences for construction workers and their families, including lost wages, loss of use of the hand or fingers, and in many cases the inability to work for years to come.
Implementing safety protocols, proper training, and using appropriate safety equipment are crucial for preventing hand injuries in the construction injury. But in spite of employers and workers best efforts, accidents still happen. In this article, top Detroit area hand surgeon Dr. Uzma Rehman, explores some of the most common construction site hand injuries, delving into their causes, treatment modalities, and prognoses.
Incidence of Construction Site Hand Injury
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction and extraction occupations had a higher incidence rate of injuries involving hands and fingers than all other industries. The U.S. Department of Labor Spotlight on Construction Laborers reported that in 2020, there were 48.3 cases of hand injury per 10,000 full-time construction workers.
Of these, cuts and lacerations of the fingers and hands were the most common type of hand injury in the construction industry.
Types of Construction Site Hand Injury
Construction Injury Hand Lacerations & Puncture Wounds
Exposure to sharp objects is unavoidable on any construction site. And, because of exposure to rusty metal and other contaminated surfaces, these wounds can also often be accompanied by tetanus or serious infection.
Early and thorough wound care is essential to prevent infections and complications. Wound cleaning, antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical debridement are necessary to alleviate pain, preserve the hand and fingers and avoid infection.
Hand Trauma from Falls on Construction Sites
Slips, trips, or falls from heights on construction sites can lead to fractures, sprains, or dislocations in the hand, finger, arms, and joints. In fact, hand trauma from falls is typically the second leading cause of hand and finger injury on construction sites.
In these cases, immediate evaluation, imaging, and treatment is essential. Treatment may involve immobilizing the injured area or other conservative measures – or may require surgery in more severe cases. X-rays are essential for identifying and classifying potential fracture. Failing to treat a fracture of the finger or hand can result in deformity of the bone that causes serious long-term problems – including loss of function of the finger(s) or hand.
Recovery will depend on the nature, location, and severity of the injury. In most cases, rehabilitation and physical therapy with our certified hand therapists can aid in restoring functionality.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome in Construction Workers
Prolonged use of vibrating tools can lead to damage in blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues in construction workers. This is medically referred to as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) – also sometimes known as also known as Vibration White Finger (VWF).
In the early stages, HAVS can cause tingling and numbness in the fingertips, usually affecting the index, middle, and ring fingers. This sensation often comes and goes, especially noticeable in cold weather or after using vibrating tools.
Loss of sensitivity in the fingers, difficulty gripping objects, or muscle weakness in the hands and forearms can make tasks like writing, gripping, or holding objects difficult. Fingers might turn white or blue, especially when exposed to cold, and then go red and painful when warming up (Raynaud’s phenomenon).
As Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome progresses, symptoms include loss of dexterity, difficulty performing fine motor tasks, stiffness in the fingers and hands, reduced flexibility, and constant or intermittent pain. The skin on the fingers might become red, shiny, and thin, losing its natural hair, and sweat glands.
If you work with vibrating tools and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention from a top Detroit area hand specialist like Dr. Uzma Rehman. Early detection and preventive measures are crucial for managing symptoms, preserving use of the hands, and preventing progression of HAVS.
Hand and finger crush injuries from heavy machinery or falling objects, electric shock injury, and injury from vehicle collisions are all also common on construction sites.
Top Construction Injury Hand Surgeon | Detroit Area
As a top Detroit hand surgeon who has seen thousands of industrial hand injuries, Dr. Uzma Rehman emphasizes the importance of preventive measures on construction sites, including proper workplace training, safety protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment. By more completely understanding the common hand injuries resulting from construction accidents, contractors and employees can implement strategies to mitigate risks and protect the well-being of employees.
If you or a loved one has suffered a hand injury on the construction site, swift medical intervention is essential. Whether the injury appears minor or severe, consulting with a top Detroit area hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman will ensure that every step is taken to preserve hand and finger function – and to avoid complications or loss of function or mobility in the future.
Additionally, if a workers’ compensation case may be brought due to your construction hand injury, you will need documentation from a specialist like top hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman in order to collect workers’ comp benefits.
Dr. Rehman will create a specialized treatment plan designed to preserve or restore hand function, relieve pain, alleviate other symptoms, avoid long term complications, and prevent deformity or loss of mobility.
