The Most Common HVAC Injuries
HVAC is an extremely physical career choice. For those who cringe at the idea of a desk job, or can’t imagine spending a 9-5 work day virtually sedentary, HVAC is a great option. You are constantly on the move, and physical fitness is one of the job requirements.
Like any job that has a physical aspect, HVAC careers come with a certain risk. On-the-job injuries can occur. Here is a run down on some of the most common ones – and some ways to avoid them.
Common HVAC Injuries
1. Strain and pulls from heavy lifting. HVAC equipment is heavy. It’s a given. From heating and air conditioning units to boilers to geothermal units, there is a lot of poundage being transferred from point A to point B. No matter how strong you are, your body will not be able to sustain that kind of lifting for a long time.
How to avoid serious injury: Always focus weight on your legs, and try to do sudden movement or jerking with only your upper body strength. Use a hand truck whenever possible. When stairs and curbs render a hand cart useless, and if your HVAC company has them, utilize stair climbers which will do heavy lifting for you.
2. Shoulder and neck injuries from overhead work. A large percentage of HVAC maintenance takes place overhead – in attics, on ceiling-mounted equipment, high on the walls of buildings. After years in an HVAC career, rotator cuff tendinitis and neck strain from extreme positions is common.
How to avoid serious injury: Smart stretching and strengthening will help stave off chronic pains, especially if you start early. Also, ask your employer for what kind of braces and wearable support he or she might offer to their employees as preventative measures.
3. Hand injuries. Like surgeons, HVAC is career utterly dependent ton the dexterity of your hands. However, your hands are the most susceptible to injury – pinches, scrapes, scratches, and burns are commonplace when we are working as an HVAC technician or installer.
How to avoid serious injury: When possible, wear gloves. Often, more technical or dexterous manipulations are required and gloves are not an option. In this case, injury is nearly inevitable at some point. Take caution in how wounds are treated, though. Don’t shrug off injuries that may need stitches, or ignore something that could become infected.
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