The construction sector in the state of Oregon is hiring more and more workers. While this is fantastic news for the area’s industry, expansion and development, with it comes a number of injury and ailment risks that are found in such a field of work.
From burns to back injuries and eye strains, construction work has its jeopardies. This short guide will run through some quick remedies for any construction worker affected by these minor injuries – any proper injuries or illnesses should always be treated by a doctor.
Burns
As of December 2019, the construction industry in Oregon had reached a record high number of jobs. This, however, also means there is a record high number of people who are exposed to potential risks such as burns. Anybody who suffers a light burn should cool it immediately under cool water, helping to prevent it blistering.
A construction site should have a first aid point, where burn lotions and bandages are available. Once the wound has been protected using these items, take a pain killer and consider consulting a specialist.
Eye Injury or Strain
One of the injuries associated with welding is Welder’s Flash or corneal flash burn. Symptoms of welder’s flash appear between three and 12 hours after suffering the injury, and can result in bloodshot eyes, light sensitivity and blurry vision. To treat welder’s flash, cover eyes with padded dressings, take pain killers and use eye drops. A number of other home remedies can also be effective.
Eye strain in general is also common amongst construction workers in the office, such as surveyors or engineers. This is due to looking at computer screens for too long without a break; to prevent this, workers should take regular walks away from their computer and take time to look at objects in the distance.
Dry Skin
Working outdoors, for long hours and in harsh weather, can cause damaged and dry skin to develop. Knowing when to see a doctor about skin conditions is key to not leaving malignant disorders untreated.
If it is simply a case of dry or cracked skin, then treatment should be relatively straight forward. Moisturizing regularly will hydrate the skin, while avoiding hot baths and showers will prevent it from cracking or reddening further. Dry skin should be patted dry with soft cotton rather than rubbed with a coarse towel and, when you return to work the next day, attempt to cover affected areas to protect them from wind and rain.
Back Injuries
Lifting, pulling and hammering can all cause back strains that could develop into proper injuries. The spine is a part of the body that must be treated with the utmost care, and so in turn the muscles that surround it must be too.
Follow health and safety guidelines on how to lift heavy objects and, if you do suffer minor injuries, some studies suggest that ice packs or heated pads can help reduce inflammation and boost comfort. Sleeping on a firmer mattress can also help prevent chronic back pain.
