The heavy equipment and power tools used in the construction sector and in other blue-collar professions help to limit the wear on workers’ bodies. The machine does much of the heavy labor, reducing the manual effort required to install a roof or break up cement.
Unfortunately, those very same devices can potentially cause injuries to workers. Regularly operating heavy equipment that produces vibrations can do lasting damage to the physical capabilities of blue-collar professionals. In cases where workers end up diagnosed with medical issues and face challenges performing job functions, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
How do vibrations hurt workers?
The human body isn’t meant to have constant exposure to powerful vibrations. Frequently, those who handle power tools may develop vibration-related medical conditions in their hands, arms and shoulders. However, those operating heavy equipment or working near big machines could also develop medical conditions associated with whole-body vibrations.
Vibration-related injuries can affect strength and range of motion. They can cause pain. The impact of these injuries can reduce the worker’s efficiency on the job or leave them struggling to properly grip the tools of their trade.
Workers’ compensation benefits can help by covering medical treatment costs. Medical conditions related to extended vibration exposure often have chronic symptoms that may not fully resolve with treatment. Workers’ compensation can also replace part of an employee’s wages if they cannot work or must move to a lower-paid profession.
Reporting a diagnosis to management and filing a claim for workers’ compensation can be beneficial for those with vibration-related injuries. Blue-collar workers may face lasting career setbacks if heavy equipment or tools expose them to vibrations at work.