Despite the efforts of business owners and managers to keep their workplaces safe, injuries can get past the safety nets. Accidents still happen even in workplaces touted as safe; when they do, they either result in property destruction, injury, or both. Injuries can be as minor as muscle strain and mild concussion, to severe like fracture and head trauma. The damage to an injured worker is not just physical; it spreads to their financial and emotional health as well. Employers are also caught up in workplace accidents, as they are responsible for ensuring their employees’ welfare. Knowledge ushers empowerment, so let’s explore various workplace injuries, their implications, and how to address them effectively.
The Lasting Impact of Workplace Injuries
Before we enumerate the common workplace injuries, we have to first acknowledge the consequences of such accidents. Answering the whys of workplace injuries solidifies the need to prevent them and address them if they happen. Emotional distress is one of the primary impacts of a workplace injury. With many workers relying solely on their jobs as a source of income, imagine what days, weeks, or months of absence would mean to them. Distress isn’t a word that can cover what injured workers feel during their disability. The whirlwind of emotions can be so overwhelming that it devolves into PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This is where legal assistance shines a beacon of hope for injured employees. A piece of pragmatic advice from results-driven personal injury attorneys in Atlanta is to work with skilled local attorneys to avoid the burden of complexities and stress in filing a personal injury claim. As if getting injured at work isn’t bad enough, wracking your brain over legal complications just adds proverbial straws that will break a worker’s back. This is why a personal injury lawyer comes at a crucial junction, as they will handle the legal legwork, allowing their clients to focus on recovery. Now, let’s get to know the common injuries that employees can sustain in the workplace.
Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls
Injuries from slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent in any workplace. Continuous foot traffic is the norm in a workplace, and employees rarely look at the surface they walk on. Because of this, deviations in the surface condition, such as unevenness, holes, and wet floors, are bound to cause accidents. Falls from these accidents can lead to sprains, fractures, or worse, traumatic brain injuries. These injuries adversely affect income, have long recovery periods, and can be emotionally distressing. What employers can do to address this is to ensure that walkways are always clear and even. Installing proper signage helps warn employees of slip-and-fall hazards. For those working in delicate settings, employers may also need to provide slip-resistant footwear.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Monotonous tasks not only induce boredom, but there is also the danger of repetitive strain injuries from performing the same motions continuously, such as typing, lifting, or operating machinery. Back strains and sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis are some conditions that can develop over time, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility. RSIs can severely impact productivity and require extensive physical therapy. Employers can help reduce RSIs in the workplace by using ergonomic chairs, furniture, and workstations. Regular breaks should be encouraged, and employee training can be conducted to help minimize the risks associated with repetitive tasks.
Machinery and Equipment-Related Injuries
Heavy machinery can greatly improve efficiency and output but can turn against workers if improperly operated. The dangers of improper machinery operation include crush injuries, amputations, and severe lacerations. Lack of proper training, equipment malfunctions, and inadequate safety protocols also contribute to these accidents. Such severe injuries can have lasting consequences, impacting an employee’s ability to work and maintain financial stability. Employers must prioritize comprehensive training programs and regular equipment maintenance to ensure workplace safety.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
In the manufacturing, healthcare, and construction industries, workers face the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals or airborne contaminants. Highly reactive chemicals can trigger immediate reactions such as burns, skin or eye irritation, and poisoning. Substances that are in minute concentrations will bioaccumulate and lead to respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and even chronic illnesses like cancer due to prolonged exposure. Mitigating these risks involves strict adherence to safety regulations and standards and compliance with ISO audits. Employers must also provide proper protective gear to all employees directly and indirectly involved in handling chemicals and dangerous substances. Ventilation systems must also be installed in areas where chemicals are stored or processed and must always remain fully functional.
Injuries from Workplace Violence
Physical altercations or violent incidents can happen in the workplace but can also be avoided. These incidents can lead to physical and emotional trauma and run the risk of suspension or termination. Workers in customer-facing roles, healthcare, and law enforcement are vulnerable to physical altercations and violence. As tempers flare and rationality goes out the window, these incidents of violence result in injuries that range from minor bruises to life-threatening wounds. To prevent or mitigate these incidents, employers must implement strict policies, offer de-escalation training, and ensure employees feel safe in their work environment.
Physical Trauma from Falling Objects
Overhead hazards are often unavoidable, making them dangerous to employees in warehouses, construction sites, and retail stores. Items above eye level are difficult to see and often fall without warning. Improperly secured tools, boxes, and equipment can cause head injuries, broken bones, and concussions. Workplace safety should be implemented by employers by ensuring proper storage, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE), and securing overhead materials to reduce these risks.
Injuries from Transportation and Vehicle-Related Accidents
Employees whose work includes driving, such as truck drivers, delivery personnel, and sales representatives, are exposed to road accident risks. Vehicle collisions can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal damage, and internal injuries. Employers should enforce safe driving policies, schedule routine vehicle maintenance, and ensure that employees are not overworked or fatigued while on the road.
Conclusions
By understanding these common workplace injuries and their consequences, employers and employees can take proactive initiatives to create a safer work environment. Prioritizing safety measures, providing necessary training, and addressing hazards promptly can help reduce workplace accidents and ensure employee well-being. Should accidents and injuries still occur, healthcare partnerships can be instrumental in providing employees with access to necessary resources. Health insurance or worker’s compensation grants access to injury rehabilitation and therapy, which can expedite recovery and promote return-to-work efforts.
