Construction work can be a dangerous job for many reasons. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), of the 4,674 worker fatalities that took place in private industries in 2017, 971 of them were in construction. Construction workers face dozens of safety hazards, which can lead to injuries ranging from mild to serious. If you or someone you know was injured in a construction accident, you have options.
Jackhammer syndrome, also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome, is a type of repetitive stress injury that affects about two million U.S. workers. It is caused by the daily use of a jackhammer and other power tools. Jackhammers have the potential to cause internal damage because of the amount of force it takes to drill a hole into concrete. Other tools that may lead to jackhammer syndrome include chainsaws, pavement breakers, air powered wrenches, and impact drills. Jackhammer syndrome does not always happen immediately and may take years for symptoms to show. Symptoms include tingling and numbness in the affected arm, as well as the fingertips.
Who is at Risk of Developing Jackhammer Syndrome?
Other than construction workers, other workers at risk of developing jackhammer syndrome include:
- Maintenance workers
- Agriculture or farming workers
- Steel or metal workers
- Carpenters
What is Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury is caused when there is too much stress put on certain parts of the body, such as the wrist or hand. Repetitive stress injuries may cause tingling of the affected body part, pain, numbness, or weakness. It may also make it difficult to grip objects. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by the compression of the median nerve located in the wrist; and bursitis, which is caused when the bursae become inflamed. Bursae provide a cushion between muscles, tendons, joints, and bones.
Repetitive stress injuries may be caused by typing, playing instruments, using a cash register, assembly line work, and writing. To avoid repetitive stress injuries, you should be aware of your posture. Having good posture reduces your risk of developing a repetitive stress injury. You should also take breaks and avoid gripping objects too tightly.
How to Prevent Jackhammer Syndrome?
To prevent Jackhammer Syndrome, experts recommend the use of anti- or low-vibration tools. You should also keep tools properly maintained, take breaks when working with power tools, grip power tools as lightly as possible, and seek medical attention when symptoms start to show.
Cherry Hill Construction Accident Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP Represent Clients Injured in Work-Related Accidents
When you are involved in a work accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Contact a Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyer at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP. Our lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation and peace of mind you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-761-3773 today. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including the City of Camden.
