3 life-altering injuries that a roofer may sustain

Roofers help install, maintain and repair one of the most crucial systems of a building. A roof protects the interior space from water incursion, wind and criminal activity. Homeowners spend thousands of dollars to replace or repair a roof because it is so important for the safe enjoyment of their home.

Roofing employment is a stable profession because there is always demand for roofing services. Employees may even qualify for relatively competitive wages because of the long hours and dangerous work conditions they have to accept. The injuries that a roofer might incur on the job could put them in the hospital or leave them unable to continue working. The following are some of the most common work-related injuries for roofers.

Traumatic brain injuries

Someone working on a roof is obviously at risk of falling. Even if someone only falls off of a single-story home, they could potentially develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that makes their life more difficult. Roofing professionals could also hurt their brains if other people drop items above them. Brain injuries can affect everything from motor function and memory to someone’s sense of balance. Roofers with brain injuries may not be able to continue working.

Spinal cord injuries

Both the risk of a fall and the possibility of falling objects are also a safety concern for someone’s spine. Anyone who falls on their head or back could develop a spinal cord injury. The same is true of those struck by falling objects. A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent motor function limitations and the loss of sensation below the injury site. Even incomplete injuries can affect someone’s ability to continue working in a dangerous profession as they can affect motor control.

Severe fractures

There are countless ways that workers could break bones while working on a roofing project. Falls, issues with equipment and dropped materials could all break bones in the human body. Most broken bones only require a few weeks of rest and proper medical insurance. Yet, some fractures are far worse than others. Severe fractures may require surgery to treat and may lead to long-term symptoms for the injured professional. Even after a bone heals, a worker may have reduced strength and range of motion that could affect their ability to do their job.

Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits can help those injured while working on a roof. Medical coverage can help pay for people’s treatment, and disability benefits can cover a worker’s lost wages, at least partially. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help those with brain injuries and other serious medical conditions. Roofers and others at increased workplace risk may benefit from learning more about workplace injuries and worker protections accordingly.