Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by tanya

HVAC Worker Injuries

 

When And How To Make A Personal Injury Claim?

From working at height to handling hazardous materials, there are plenty of risks of HVAC worker injuries. Working as an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician is a hands-on job in many different environments. The wide scope for this type of work carries various risks from being in a tight attic space to out on the road in your van.

With regard to these risks, employers are required to have employers’ liability insurance for potential injuries for workers. However, there are times when a personal injury claim provides full compensation for an injury you may have suffered. This includes third party negligence, such as a property owner, or an injury sustained in a traffic collision, or unsafe materials from a third party supplier.

For more information on whether you may have a personal injury claim, contact First Personal Injury today. We work with ‘No Win, No Fee’ lawyers who can assess your case.

 

Common Injuries for HVAC Technicians

Here are some of the most common injuries sustained by HVAC technicians:

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Whether it’s a slippery floor, an uneven surface, or a cluttered workspace, slips, trips, and falls can happen at a moment’s notice.

 

Falls from Heights

HVAC work often involves climbing ladders, scaffolding, or working on rooftops. A fall from height can result in serious injuries like fractures, spinal damage, or even traumatic brain injuries. If the proper safety measures (like harnesses and guardrails) were not in place, you could have grounds for a claim.

 

Electrical Injuries

Dealing with HVAC systems means dealing with wiring and electrical components. If proper safety procedures aren’t followed, you could end up with an electric shock or even severe burns.

 

Burns and Scalds

HVAC technicians are required to frequently deal with hot surfaces, steam, and chemicals that can cause serious burns. Boilers, furnaces, and hot pipes are all potential hazards for scalding injuries.

 

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

HVAC work involves a lot of repetitive motions. So on a daily basis, you are required to lift, twist, bend and work in awkward positions. This may lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic back pain over time.

 

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

HVAC technicians often work with refrigerants, asbestos (in older buildings), and other chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or touched. Furthermore, long-term exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and even serious illnesses like mesothelioma.

 

Crush Injuries

Working with heavy HVAC units, ductwork, and large tools means there’s always a risk of something falling or trapping a worker. Crush injuries can be severe, potentially leading to broken bones or nerve damage.

 

Hearing Loss

HVAC workers are constantly exposed to loud machinery, from compressors to ventilation systems. Over a prolonged period, this can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or tinnitus.

 

Eye Injuries

Flying debris, sparks, and chemical splashes are all common hazards in HVAC work. Unfortunately, a minor incident can turn into a serious eye injury, potentially leading to vision loss.

 

Hand and Finger Injuries

HVAC workers use their hands for just about everything, from handling sharp sheet metal to operating power tools. Lacerations, fractures, and even severed fingers can occur if safety procedures aren’t followed.

 

Injuries From Traffic Accidents

If working as a HVAC technician, you will  typically spend long hours on the road as you go from job to job. This increases the risk of a traffic accident. As it is likely you travel in a van, there is also the danger of heavy equipment or dangerous chemicals causing further harm in a collision.

 

Claim For Compensation

If you’ve suffered an injury while working in HVAC, you might be wondering whether you can file a personal injury claim for compensation. Employers are required to have liability insurance to cover worker injuries. However, a personal injury claim can include additional factors not covered by this insurance.

It is important to know that you can file a personal injury claim if you were injured through no fault of your own, but rather due to another party’s negligence.

 

If you have been injured and you work in the HVAC industry, call us today to have your case assessed. We partner with expert lawyers who operate on a No Win, No Fee basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly team.