Pressure Washing Is Dangerous — Here's How to Stay Safe: The Risks You Can’t Ignore (And the Injuries That Could End Your Career)
- Trudi Weickum
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
Pressure washing is dangerous.
Every year, contractors and homeowners alike suffer serious injuries — and in some cases, lose fingers, limbs, or even their lives — because they didn’t take this equipment seriously.
We’re talking about machines that push out water at 2,000 to 4,000 PSI. That’s enough to slice concrete, tear wood grain, and destroy siding.
Now imagine what that can do to human skin, tissue, or bone.
This post isn’t meant to scare you — it’s meant to wake you up.
The Real Risks of Pressure Washing — Injury by Injury
Here’s what you (or someone on your team) could face if you’re not careful:
🔫 High-Pressure Injection Injuries
This is one of the most dangerous — and most misunderstood — injuries in our industry.
High-pressure injection occurs when the water stream penetrates the skin through a tiny cut or puncture wound.
Sounds small? It’s not.
💥 The water can drive dirt, bacteria, and debris deep into the tissue.💥 Damage may not show up right away — but inside, it’s destroying nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.💥 Many of these cases lead to compartment syndrome — and even amputation if left untreated.
🧠 Deep Tissue Damage
You don’t need an open wound to get hurt.The force of high-pressure spray can cause:
Internal bruising
Muscle tearing
Nerve damage
Broken bones (in extreme cases)
🧫 Infection
Any break in the skin — especially from a contaminated pressure stream — is a fast track for infection.
If not treated immediately and properly, you’re looking at:
⚠️ Cellulitis⚠️ Necrotizing fasciitis⚠️ Sepsis⚠️ Amputation
🦴 Amputation
Yes — this is real.
When water, bacteria, and debris get pushed deep enough, doctors sometimes have no choice but to remove the affected limb or digit.
This usually happens when an injection injury is ignored, or if the person keeps working through it.
👁️ Eye Injuries
Water ricocheted off a surface can blast back into your face.
This can lead to:
Corneal abrasions
Loss of vision
Retinal or optic nerve damage
Permanent blindness
🧼 Wear your eye protection. Every job. No excuses.
⚡ Electric Shock
Electric pressure washers aren’t safer just because they’re smaller.
Mixing water, cords, and poorly maintained machines can easily result in:
Electric burns
Severe shock
Cardiac arrest (in rare cases)
Always inspect your cords. Use GFCI outlets. Don’t mess around.
☠️ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you're running a gas-powered unit indoors or in a garage, you're filling the space with carbon monoxide — a deadly, odorless gas.
Symptoms come on fast:
Headache
Dizziness
Confusion
Nausea
Unconsciousness
Death
💡 NEVER run a gas-powered machine without proper ventilation.
🔥 Burns from Hot Water Units
Some pressure washers heat water to over 200°F.
That’s scalding — and one mistake with the wand can leave you with 2nd or 3rd-degree burns.
Always check your temperature settings. Test before spraying.
🪜
Falls from Heights
Using a pressure washer while on a ladder or scaffolding?You’re asking for trouble.
The force of the wand can knock you off balance
Wet surfaces get slick fast
One misstep can lead to broken bones — or worse
Use ground-based equipment (like water-fed poles or soft wash systems) whenever possible.
🩸 Other Injuries
Let’s not forget:
Lacerations
Blunt force bruises
Pinched fingers in hose reels
Back injuries from poor lifting technique
And here’s the kicker:🚨 Any injury you report can affect your insurance rates.
Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Professional.
It’s not weak to take safety seriously — it’s wise.It’s leadership. And it protects the people who matter most — you and your crew.
We Teach This at the Panhandle Pressure Washing Expo
At the Panhandle Expo, safety isn’t a side note — it’s front and center.
✅ First aid for pressure washing injuries
✅ Chemical and equipment handling
✅ OSHA compliance and injury prevention
✅ PPE that actually protects you
✅ Real-world injury case studies from industry pros
You’re running a real business. Start protecting it like one.
🎟️ Register now for the Panhandle Pressure Washing ExpoCome learn what it takes to clean smart, work safe, and lead better.
By Trudi Weickum | Industry Educator | Panhandle Pressure Washing Expo
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