What it takes: Back strain from lifting and carrying
Hauling materials, lifting from the ground and twisting under load are the classic routes to back injury. Strains add up over years and many workers live with chronic low-back pain.
Construction worker
Heavy loads, heights, noise, dust and weather, every day.
Construction is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs there is. Lifting, kneeling and working overhead wear down the back, knees and shoulders; noise, silica dust and sun add slow, quiet damage; and falls remain the leading cause of death on site.
What it takes and what to do
What it takes: Noise-induced hearing loss
Saws, jackhammers, compressors and heavy equipment often exceed safe sound levels. Hearing loss from noise is permanent and builds slowly, often with ringing in the ears as an early sign.
What to do about Noise-induced hearing loss
Protect your hearing from loud noiseAs neededWear earplugs or earmuffs around loud noise, turn the volume down and step away when you can. Get your hearing checkedYearlyAsk about a hearing test at your yearly checkup, especially if you work around noise or notice signs of hearing loss.What it takes: Silica and other dust in the lungs
Cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, stone and brick releases fine crystalline silica dust. Breathing it over years can scar the lungs (silicosis) and is linked to lung cancer and kidney disease.
What to do about Silica and other dust in the lungs
Wear a respirator for dust, fumes and smokeAs neededUse a properly fitted N95 or better respirator for dusty work and heavy wildfire smoke, and a cartridge respirator for gases and vapors.What it takes: Knee wear from kneeling and squatting
Flooring, framing and concrete work keep you on your knees or in a deep squat for long periods. That pressure is linked to bursitis and long-term knee pain.
What to do about Knee wear from kneeling and squatting
Wear knee pads for kneeling workAs neededCushion your knees whenever a job puts you on the floor, so the small fluid sacs in front of the kneecap don't get irritated. Stretch your quadsDailyA standing stretch for the front of your thighs. Do bodyweight squatsWeeklySit back and stand up without weights to strengthen your legs and hips for everyday lifting and stairs.What it takes: Heat and sun exposure
Outdoor sites in summer combine hot air, direct sun and hard physical work. Heat illness can escalate quickly, and years of sun exposure raise the risk of skin cancer.
What to do about Heat and sun exposure
Stay safe in the heatAs neededOn hot days, drink water often, take breaks in the shade and plan hard work for the cooler parts of the day. Rehydrate when you sweatAs neededDrink regularly during hot work or long workouts, and add electrolytes when you sweat for more than two hours. Wear sunscreen every dayDailyPut broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin each morning and reapply every two hours outdoors. Wear sun-protective clothingAs neededCover up with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and tightly woven long sleeves when you are out in the sun.What it takes: Falls and struck-by injuries
Falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolds are the leading cause of death in construction, and being struck by falling objects or vehicles follows close behind. Head and eye protection and fall protection matter every day, not just on big jobs. On roofs, scaffolds and any edge 6 feet or more above a lower level, work behind guardrails or tied off in a full-body harness to a proper anchor, wear a hard hat, and stay out from under loads and out of equipment blind spots.
When to see a professional
See a doctor for back pain with leg numbness or weakness, a swollen or hot knee, ringing in your ears that won't go away, or a cough or shortness of breath that lingers. Call 911 for confusion, fainting, or hot skin, whether dry or still sweating, in the heat. Ask about regular hearing and lung checks if you work around noise or dust.