Work injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, or they may be temporary. Regardless of the outcome, this form of injury can be treated with pain medicines, physical therapy, and chiropractic intervention. It just depends on the site of injury.
Have You Been Injured At Work?
Workplace injuries can take one of several forms. Therefore, you need to know the commonest injuries to learn more about the causes and to explore your treatment options. Following is a listing of the most frequent injuries.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Whether you work in an office or factory, you can slip, trip, or fall. These injuries often happen because a floor is wet or an unseen cable causes a person to trip or fall. According to tasks, many employees, such as construction workers, fall from heights. The ladder is usually the tool that is used when this happens. Falls from scaffolding and platforms may also happen occasionally.
2. Muscle Strains
If you lift heavy items in your job, you may suffer from muscle strains. Workers often sustain neck and back strains on the jobs. You can avoid these types of work injuries by practicing lifting. Proper lifting techniques prevent problems with muscle strains.
3. Being Struck by a Foreign Object
Some workers on job sites find themselves on the receiving end of a falling object. The resulting injuries can happen in warehouses and restaurant kitchens. An item falling forcefully can trigger some serious damage. Many employees get hit when they are storing items. Owners can avoid this problem by adding safe storage that features a cage.
4. Repetitive Strain Injuries
A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a well-known work injury. This type of work injury usually involves the carpal tunnel and results from working long amounts of time at a keyboard. The overall impact of this condition can end up being severe. Therefore, anyone who suffers from an RSI needs to take preventative measures. Employers can cut down on RSIs by encouraging breaks and installing ergonomic equipment, such as hand trucks.
5. Collisions and Auto Crashes
Collisions or crashes at work contribute to a sizable number of injuries. Whether the accident involves a motor vehicle, motor vehicle, or forklift, they can lead to bad injuries. While working on the job, take precautions by using seat belts or similar restraints when driving.
6. Lacerations and Cuts
Office tools and power saws both can lead to lacerations or cuts at work. When employees are not used in the proper use of tools, injuries often result. Accidents can be prevented by posting signs and providing safety equipment.
7. Inhaling Toxic Fumes
Employees who work around hazardous substances risk skin and eye injuries. The use of protective equipment, such as safety goggles, is recommended to avoid exposure problems.
8. Exposure to Loud Sounds
Industrial deafness is another injury of the workplace. The wearing of ear protection is necessary to prevent this occurrence.
9. Walking into Furniture or Similar Objects
Workplace injuries result when employees do not take care to look around them when chatting or walking through factories or offices. Employers can avoid these kinds of hazards by making sure work areas are cleared.
10. Workplace Disputes
Sometimes fights at work can lead to workplace injuries. Dealing with employees grievances can prevent any problems along these lines.
Symptoms Associated with Work Injuries
Symptoms of work injuries depend on the type of injury. Below an overview of the symptoms that result from specific causes at work.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls – Employees may suffer from bruises, lacerations, cuts, or back problems.
- Muscle Strains – Patients experience pain in the lower back and often have problems with pain after sitting or standing for long durations. The pain increases when workers experience tension.
- Being Struck by a Foreign Object – Bruises and cuts can result, or pain in the leg or back, depending on the size of the object.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries – Swelling, numbness, stiffness, tingling, and weakness in the wrist and hand or the shoulder or neck can result from repetitive motions at work. Patients may also suffer from cold or heat sensitivity.
- Collisions and Auto Crashes – Workers may experience severe injuries in a car crash, including lower back problems, whiplash, or cuts and lacerations. Depending on the severity of a crash, a worker can suffer mild abrasions or suffer paralysis.
- Lacerations and Cuts – These marks are denoted by dried blood and scarring. Pain is often noted if the cut is deep.
- Inhaling Toxic Fumes – Workers may become nauseous or suffer from vomiting after inhaling toxic fumes. Some workers experience severe headaches or problems with their vision.
- Exposure to Loud Sounds – Problems with hearing often result from not wearing protective hearing aids at work.
- Walking into Furniture or Similar Objects – Workers often experience sprains or lacerations when they fail to see what is in front of them. Some experience back or leg pain at a later date.
- Workplace Disputes – Tensions at work can lead to fights that can cause back or neck injuries or injuries to the arms or legs. Some of the injuries can surface later in the form of sciatica or lower back pain.
Treatment Options for Work Injuries
Treatment for workplace injuries involves the following steps.
- Report the Accident – Inform your supervisor of the accident or have someone else report the mishap.
- Obtain Medical Help – Go to the emergency room, if necessary, or go to a provider that is required by the employer.
- Plan for the Necessary Treatment – Create a plan for treatment with your doctor so you can return to work.
- Maintain Communication with Your Employer – Whether your care lasts one week or six weeks, you need to communicate regularly with your company’s key stakeholders. Everyone should know what is happening.
- Transition Back to Work – Work with your doctor on a safe transition plan and ask for any necessary accommodation.
Types of Treatments
Treatments for workplace injuries may include the following:
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Stretching exercises
- RICE – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Monitoring of an injury
- The administration of pain medicines
- Injections of corticosteroids for pain relief
Workplace injuries can be prevented as well as treated successfully. You just need to work closely with your health care team and communicate your progress with your company.