These risks, in turn, cause several types of workplace injuries, which can be mild or fatal. Workplace injuries can bring financial burdens to the victim and the employer.
According to a report, in 2021, 3.2 workplace injuries per 100 full-time workers were recorded in Indiana. These included burns, lacerations, head injuries, bone fractures, and tissue damage. If you get hurt at work because of someone else, Indiana workers’ compensation lawyers can help you pursue justice.
Below are five types of workplace injuries and how to cope.
1. Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries
Fall-related workplace injuries are the number one cause of workers' compensation claims in all sectors. Trip and slip hazards are present in almost every workplace. Some common causes include oil spills, naked cables, loose rugs, cluttered floors, poor lighting, and icy steps and walkways.
Fall protection was the most frequently violated OSHA standard in 2021, meaning most injured didn't have fall protection equipment. Some of the most common slip trip and fall injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Pulled muscles
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Swelling and lacerations
- Ankle sprains
2. Crashes or Collision Injuries
Collisions and crashes are common in sectors where humans work alongside moving vehicles like trucks and forklifts. Industries have put measures in place to prevent such occurrences, including setting up speed limits, but accidents occur occasionally. Crashes and collisions are major causes of severe and debilitating workplace injuries that can sometimes be fatal.
Common collision-related injuries include whiplash, neck injuries, damage to the spine, broken limbs, and internal organ damage. A good example is when a forklift rams into a worker causing internal bleeding. Large trucks moving at a higher than recommended speed have also been known to lose control and crash into factory workers causing disability and fatalities.
3. Overexertion Injuries
Long working hours and repetitive motions are to blame for most overexertion injuries. Repeatedly performing some actions puts pressure on specific body parts, gradually causing wear, tear, injury, or illness. A good example is carpal tunnel syndrome which affects the wrists from typing for long.
Nerve pinching and entrapment are also common in workers who maintain the same position for long hours, compressing the spine, which places excessive pressure on the peripheral nerve. Tendonitis is micro tears of the muscles caused by repetitively lifting heavy objects. Most overexertion injuries result in wear and tear of the joints and muscles.
4. Chemical Exposure Injuries
Exposure to toxic chemicals in your line of duty can cause serious health issues in the short and long run. Those working in manufacturing and processing industrial plants are often at an increased risk of toxic chemical exposure. Hospital and pharmaceutical workers are also exposed to toxic chemicals occasionally, putting their health on the line.
Chemical-related injuries usually occur on the exposed parts, including the skin and eyes. Concentrated hydrochloric acid usually causes third-degree burns and corrodes the skin. Inhalation or ingestion of toxic chemicals can cause throat irritation, partial blindness, loss of consciousness, nerve damage, and damage to the internal organs.
5. Injuries From Exposed Moving Machine Parts
Heavy industrial machines have exposed moving parts which should be covered. Clothing and hair often get trapped in the machine. The result is broken bones, disfigurement, permanent disability due to loss of limbs, and even death. Sometimes injuries occur even when the machine is well covered because of system malfunction.
Below are some tips on how to deal with workplace injuries.
How to Cope?
The first method of coping with workplace injuries is seeking medical attention. A certified first aid worker can treat mild injuries on the site. Those with severe injuries should rush to the hospital immediately for urgent medical intervention to save their lives.
Victims should seek mental therapy during and after recovery to help deal with the horror and trauma from the incident. Lastly, seek workers' compensation with the help of an Indiana workers' compensation lawyer to cover for the pain and mental suffering.
Final Word
There are many types of workplace injuries, depending on what causes them. Fractures, burns, sprains, swellings, lacerations, tissue damage, wear and tear, and internal organ damage are common workplace injuries.