Workplace accidents can significantly impact employees’ lives. A staff who incurs an injury on the job may suffer short- or long-term complications, depending on the severity of the damage.
Workplace injuries can have physical and financial implications. Injuries that take a long time to heal can result in extended hospital stays and costly medical bills, leading to financial strain. Additionally, severe injuries can cause chronic pain and emotional trauma, which can impact an individual’s self-esteem and ability to return to work, further exacerbating the financial burden.
For those reasons, it’s vital to understand the various injuries, how they occur, their effects, and what to do when you get hurt. With that in mind, here are the most common work-related injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Various workplace factors can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), but it mostly depends on the nature of the job. For instance, in the construction industry and retail stores, where climbing ladders may be necessary, you may fall from heights and harm your head. Additionally, you may trip and fall on slippery floors, or objects on top shelves may fall on you. Some symptoms of TBI include these:
- Severe or recurrent headaches
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurry vision
- Depression and anxiety
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Ringing in ears
- Nausea and vomiting
Some symptoms may not manifest immediately and may take days or weeks. If you develop brain injuries while performing your regular duties, you can file for worker’s compensation to repay some of your wages and medical expenses. Consider hiring a brain injury lawyer in Utah if you’re in this place. These legal experts are knowledgeable in personal injury laws and will help you recover the damages resulting from the accident
Slips And Falls
Slips and falls happen anywhere in the workplace. Obstacles on walkways can trick you, making you trip and fall. Additionally, you can slip on wet floors. Other causes of this injury include the following:
- Uneven flooring: Broken tiles or potholes on footpaths and offices can create trip dangers.
- Dusty surfaces: Dusty floors may prevent shoes from gripping the floor, causing slips.
- Loose flooring: You may slip and fall by wrongly stepping on loose mats and floor coverings.
- Icy conditions: Ice is a slippery surface. Therefore, if you work outdoors during winter, you risk slipping.
Slips and falls may lead to head and back injuries, cuts, strain, or broken bones. Therefore, be careful when working around.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Another common workplace injury is a repetitive strain injury (RSI). This is caused by recurring motion or constant use of your nerves, tendons, and muscles. It primarily affects your arms, knees, shoulders, and wrists. Various factors cause RSI, including improper lifting and repetitive tasks without a break. Additionally, regular typing may cause muscle strains. Therefore, when performing duties requiring repetitive motion, take breaks. Also, wear protective gear and obtain adequate training.
Exposure To Toxic Substances
If you work around harmful chemicals, you risk inhaling or making direct contact with these substances. Inhaling toxic chemicals can lead to respiratory issues, organ damage, weakening of immune damage, etc. On the other hand, direct contact may lead to burns, rashes, and irritation in the eyes, ears, skin, etc. For this reason, always follow safety precautions and wear protective equipment when working.
Being Hit By Objects Or Machines
Objects falling from high shelves or thrown by your coworker may cause severe injuries. They may cause head damage, cuts, internal organ injuries, fractures, or bruises. There’s also a possibility of coming into contact with the exposed moving parts of a machine and being struck by them or getting caught in a moving mechanism, potentially resulting in injuries to your fingers, hands, or arms. To reduce these risks, proper coordination, clear communication, and protective gear are crucial.
Car Accidents
Driving as part of your job may expose you to negligent drivers, poor weather, or defective parts that may cause accidents. Some accidents can be fatal, and others can result in minor injuries, depending on how they occur. If you spend most of your time around trucks or moving vehicles, always be alert while driving and dealing with them.
Fire And Explosions
This workplace injury isn’t so common, but when it happens, it can cause severe physical damage. One of the significant causes of fire and explosion in the workplace is defective devices that can overheat and generate sparks. Additionally, irregular cleaning can leave offices untidy and uncluttered, which can be a fire risk, particularly in poorly ventilated rooms.
Aside from that, human errors can cause fires. Some team members may fail to report defective equipment, misuse machinery, or leave cooking food unattended.
Conclusion
Establishing a safe work environment is essential for both employers and staff. However, sometimes, accidents may occur unexpectedly. Therefore, knowing the various work-related injuries is crucial. It allows you to seek medical attention and compensation immediately should you, unfortunately, get involved in an accident. Consider enlisting the help of professional attorneys when filing for compensation for a seamless experience.
