Accidents happen at work. They are sometimes unavoidable even if you observe utmost safety precautions. Roofing, in particular, is a hazardous job that exposes individuals to different risks, including falls, cuts, heat stroke and exhaustion. If injuries do occur, call medical assistance immediately and help the victim by applying first aid while waiting for help to arrive.

Below are the common injuries sustained from roof repair Houston accidents, and the steps that you can do while medical help is on the way.

1. Broken Bones

If the skin breaks and the bone protrudes, immediately stop the bleeding by applying pressure and control the swelling by applying ice packs. Look for any available strong and straight objects nearby and affix to the affected part to keep the limb immobile. Do not touch the bone pushing through the skin or attempt to set it back in place.

2. Minor Cuts

Clean the wound with water and soap to disinfect it and apply pressure with clean cloth or gauze. If no materials are available that could be used as dressing, thoroughly wash your hands and apply pressure to the wound using your fingers. Do not remove a blood-soaked bandage, simply apply a fresh one on top. For severe bleeding, raise the affected part above the heart level.

3. Head Injury

Make the victim lie down and ensure that breathing is not blocked. Place pillows or soft cloth under the head and shoulders and turn the head to one side. This will prevent accidental chocking while the victim awaits medical attention.

4. Heat Stroke

This condition is categorized as a medical emergency. Remove the victim from direct sunlight and into the shade. Putting the victim in an air-conditioned room is preferred. Apply ice or cold wet cloth on the armpits and neck area to cool the body. Never give water to a vomiting or non-alert individual.

5. Heat Exhaustion

Promptly get the victim out of heat and into a cool or air-conditioned room. Apply the cool compress, give the person a cold shower, spray water to cool the body temperature and give a cool sponge bath. If the victim is alert, give non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drink to rehydrate.

6. Puncture Wounds

Remove the object that caused the wound, if it is small and could be easily removed. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with clean cloth or gauze. Clean the wound with water and soap then apply antibiotic cream. Wrap the wound with sterile bandage or cloth to prevent dirt from getting in.

Working on the roof is not an easy task. The job requires balance, skill, concentration and absence of fear of heights. Accidents can happen at any time to anybody, which may result to serious injuries or loss of life. Below are some of the common roof repair Denver accidents that could occur at work.

1. Falls

Fall from high places is a common cause of accident for roofers. These invariably result to injuries and sometimes deaths. Working on a steep slope roofing accounts for more injuries from falls than those working on a low slope roofing.

A major contributor to falling accidents among roofers is the failure to observe a proper fall protection system. Accidents and fatigue also play important roles in falls from roofing work.

The nature of injuries sustained from falls vary depending upon the circumstances such as the height of elevation, the ground surface and parts of the body that hit the ground. The most common injuries sustained by roofers from falls are:

• Broken Bones

  Broken bones are the direct result of fall from a high place. As most professional roofers manage to land on their feet after accidentally falling, broken legs and ankles are very common.

• Back Injuries

  A fall can cause back injuries, particularly when the roofers fall and land on their backs. However, it is not the only cause of back injuries. Carrying heavy objects such as tool boxes, paint containers and ladders may also be the causes.

2. Heat Injuries

Working outdoors on the roof leaves many roofers susceptible to heat-related injuries such as heat stroke, exhaustion and sunburn. These are serious risks and should never be taken lightly by anyone working on the roof exposed to direct sunlight.

3. Repetitive Motion Injuries

Persons doing the same motion at work are apt to suffer from repetitive motion injuries. These include constant hammering of nails and cutting through steel objects with saws. The best known injury under this category is the Carpal Tunnel, which affects even those typing on their computers for several hours.

4. Puncture Wounds

This type of injury is very common in the construction industry where nails, screws and other sharp tools and implements are normally used. Usual culprits for sustaining these injuries are unknowingly stepping on nails, falling to upturned nails and careless use of hammers.

5. Equipment-Caused Injuries

. Roofers use dangerous tools and equipment when repairing roofs such as lifts, cranes, saw, hammer and nail guns. Negligence or improper use of these tools can cause severe injuries to roofers.