Construction sites are synonymous with physical labor and tangible hazards. Workers are at risk daily to erect structures that define our skylines and build houses to establish our livelihood. The safety measures in place highlight physical protection, but what happens when the hard hats and safety harnesses aren’t enough? The psychological aftermath for a construction worker injured on the job goes unnoticed.
The construction industry is for tough, blue-collar minded people that don’t have to share their feelings because the work speaks for itself. Not only is this stereotype wrong, it’s foolish. A construction worker injured and dealing with serious mental trauma should be given proper treatment. That could mean seeing a therapist or being professionally evaluated by a psychiatrist.
For decades, there has been a stigma set on working-class citizens, especially men who work in construction. Resources are available, and we dive into the psychological toll on construction workers injured amidst their duties, exploring the support systems necessary for a healthy recovery!
Psychological Factors
When construction workers are injured, the immediate concern is physical healing, but mental health can suffer long after physical wounds have healed. Studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show injured workers may experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The stress of potential long-term disability, financial strain, and the challenge of reintegration into work can exacerbate these conditions.
Depending on the severity and nature of the injury, workers may return with physical limitations that impact their ability to perform certain tasks in the future. Fear of re-injury is common among workers who have experienced a traumatic workplace accident. This anxiety can affect their confidence and performance on the job.
With the right support and resources, however, injured workers can successfully overcome these barriers. It’s a collaborative effort, involving the worker, their employer, healthcare professionals, and legal advisors. Everyone can work together to ensure a safe and positive return to the construction site!
Support Systems & Resources
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) gives employers a step-by-step guide for supporting mental health in the workplace. Also, there are several programs and support systems available for everyone, especially a construction worker injured. Here are a few:
1. Workplace Initiatives
Employers can create a supportive atmosphere through various initiatives such as providing access to counseling services, facilitating gradual return-to-work programs, and fostering open communication about mental health. By acknowledging the psychological aspects of injury recovery, employers can mitigate the mental health challenges that workers face.
2. Counseling & Therapy
Mental health services, including counseling and therapy, are essential. Professional support can help individuals process trauma, develop coping strategies, and work through the emotional complexities of injury recovery. Mental health professionals can tailor recovery programs to meet the specific needs of construction workers injured, promoting resilience and well-being.
3. Peer Support
Community support groups offer a platform for injured workers to share experiences and coping strategies. Peer support, in particular, can be invaluable, as it comes from those with firsthand experience of the challenges faced after a workplace injury. The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) emphasizes the importance of peer support in mental health recovery for injured workers.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. However, claiming these benefits can be a long, confusing process. This is when a personal injury attorney enters the picture because they can check your eligibility and start filing a claim with the state.
For a construction worker injured on the job, legal action may be an option. Deldar Legal specializes in landing fair workers’ compensation settlements for people in California. You may contact us at (844) 335-3271 for professional legal assistance tailored to your unique situation. Teaming up with our team of successful construction accident attorneys will get you access to everything you need on your case!
Tagged with: Construction, Workers compensation, workplace injuries
Posted in: Construction Accidents