Compensation for tradesmen
Tradesmen Injury Compensation Claims
The work tradesmen undertake requires a large amount of physical exertion on a daily basis, and unfortunately results in some common injuries. Knee, shoulder, and neck injuries are typically experienced by these workers. Tradesmen are also working on constuction sites and as a result can suffer the same injuries as construction workers.
Common tradesmen injuries include:
Bending and the Knee
Whether you set tiles for a living, install flooring or wire electrical systems, there is no doubt you spend large amounts of time on your knees. This excessive amount of knee-time puts constant strain on them, and over time, leads to overexertion. After years of kneeling, your knees can become weaker, and the likelihood of injury and osteoarthritis of the knee increases. Even standing in one place or moving heavy objects consistently can lead to knee injury.
Neck and Shoulder Injuries
Many jobs undertaken force tradesmen to work in awkward positions, and this causes all kinds of neck and shoulder injuries that can have far reaching consequences. Overhead work forces the shoulders to support the arms in an unnatural position. Inflammation of the tendons can occur, and when this is routinely ignored, anything from loss of strength to long-term injury can happen.
Elbow Injuries
Tennis elbow used to be considered an injury reserved for tennis players. The overhand tennis swing involves twisting the wrist, and overuse of this motion creates tears in the tendon. The tears then lead to pain and make it difficult to use the arm. However, any constant work that involves twisting the wrist may invariably cause tennis elbow. Tradesmen who constantly use screwdrivers or other hand tools typically experience this condition. Depending on the activity and strain put on the wrist, the severity and length of time tennis elbow lasts can vary from a couple weeks to long-term, possibly requiring surgery.
What if I'm a sub-contractor?
If you’re a tradesman working as a sub-contractor and you’ve been injured on the job, you can still claim compensation. You will need to establish that you were working under the care and control of a “deemed employer”. Even if you’ve been paid cash in hand, NSW workers compensation may still be available.
If you’re a sole trader with an ABN number, you might need to claim under your own workers compensation insurance policy.
If you’re unsure about how to identify your deemed employer or don't know if you are covered by a workers' compensation policy, it costs nothing to call one of Firths specialist workers' compensation lawyers and receive the expert advice that can make all the difference to how much compensation you receive.
Firths specialise NSW workers' compensation claims, so call us now on 1800 631 888 for a free workers' compensation claim assessment.
