It is common for an insulation installer to have a workers compensation injury in Wisconsin, often involving the low back. The injured insulation worker or insulator, may have a deteriorating back from his job duties over time, but most often the herniated disc occurs from a traumatic lifting or twisting incident at work. Insulation workers remove and dispose of old insulation. Then they measure and cut new insulation to fit into walls and around pipes. The workers often find themselves in awkward positions as they fasten insulation in place with staples, tape, or screws. They also put plastic sheets in walls and use compressors to spray insulation into some spaces that can be difficult to reach.
Its not just the lifting of weights that causes low back injuries. Insulation workers work in old buildings in compromising spaces. They use hand tools, knives and scissors as well as power saws to cut insulating materials, welders to secure clamps, and staple guns to fasten insulation to walls. Insulation installers sometimes wrap a cover of aluminum, sheet metal, or vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the insulation to keep moisture out.
Floor, ceiling, and wall insulators work in attics, floors, and behind walls in houses and commercial buildings. These workers have to bend at the waist to unroll, cut, fit, and staple batts of fiberglass insulation between wall studs and ceiling joists. Some workers spray foam insulation with a compressor hose into the space being filled.
Mechanical insulators apply insulation to pipes or ductwork in businesses, factories, and many other types of buildings on steam or water pipes.
Insulation installers incur injuries from ladder falls and knife cuts; in addition, small particles from insulation materials, cause irritation to eyes, skin, and lungs. However, the cases our office works on involve bulging or herniated discs in the cervical or lumbar spine. If the treating doctors or surgeons support the causation of the injury to the job then you have a case to pursue.
Insulation workers work in confined, often hazardous spaces while maintaining balance and control of tools and materials. Also, insulators often must reach above their heads to fit and fasten insulation into place and this contributes to cervical or neck injuries. Insulation workers use hand and power tools to remove and install insulation. Lifting at the waist contribute to lumbar injuries such as bulging or herniated discs. Physically, insulators spend most of the day standing, stretching, and bending, so workers must be able to stay physically active and keep focus.
McCormick Law Office attorneys have represented injured insulation installers in workers compensation claims, generally involving herniated discs in the lumbar spine which may result in fusion surgery.
