There are many hazards that plumbers face while working on job sites in California. If you work as a plumber, you may be required to perform tasks in confined spaces or at heights, which could increase your risk of getting hurt. You may also be required to work in extremely hot or cold environments or in areas where asbestos is present. Take a closer look at some other common reasons plumbers may get hurt on the job.
Repetitive motion can lead to muscle or soft tissue injuries
You may be required to push, pull or haul heavy objects throughout your work day. Ideally, the home or commercial building that you are working in will be designed to minimize the amount of strain that you put on your body. Typically, repetitive motion causes pain in the neck, back and shoulders, but you may also experience pain in your legs, wrists or other parts of your body.
Don’t forget to wear your safety goggles
Exposure to bacteria and other debris in the air could result in temporary or permanent vision loss. Foreign objects may also come into contact with your eye, which might result in scratched retinas or other injuries. Wearing safety goggles can help protect this part of your body from preventable harm.
Mold can cause serious health issues
Although mold may be difficult to detect in a home, you don’t want to be directly exposed to it for any length of time. Prolonged exposure to mold may result in breathing and other long-term health problems. Generally speaking, mold can be located in bathrooms, behind walls or in other parts of a home or building that plumbers spend time in.
If you are hurt or get sick while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This may make it easier to pay for current or long-term medical bills related to a workplace injury or illness. You may also be entitled to a portion of any wages lost while recovering from a workplace accident.
