Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

What are the Common Types of Workplace Injuries?

All sorts of injuries can occur in the workplace, some more common than others. Some of the most common workplace injuries in Columbia include:

Back Injuries

Back injuries are one of the most common types of injuries in the workplace. These injuries can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as slips and falls, lifting improperly, or trying to lift something too heavy. To prevent these types of injuries, workers can maintain good posture and avoid lifting heavy objects above their heads. Additionally, workers can maintain proper ergonomics by avoiding long periods of sitting.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries are common in the workplace as we spend most of our time sitting, standing, and walking. Repetitive strain injuries occur when there is overuse of a muscle, tendon, or ligament. It can be caused by lifting heavy objects, typing on a computer keyboard, using a repetitive task at work or playing sports, or other physical activities that involve a lot of movement. For an example of a repetitive strain injury, imagine you lift a heavy object for extended periods (or lift the same object repeatedly). As you do this, your muscles get fatigued, making injuring your muscles easier. This is because when you keep repeating the same action, your muscles don’t have time to recover between efforts and become more susceptible to injury. Repetitive strain injuries can range from mild to severe. They can cause pain and severe discomfort. This can make it hard to carry out everyday tasks like walking or working on your computer, so they can affect your ability to work. Severe RSI includes damage to muscles, tendons, or joints, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness. Other symptoms may include swelling, bruising, or redness. If you suspect you have RSI, take a break from your workstation and stretch your shoulders, upper back, and neck. You can also find a healthy workspace position change (moving closer to the keyboard or standing up periodically). If these do not resolve your symptoms within two weeks, you should see a doctor for professional treatment options.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an injury to the wrist that may occur when there is pressure on the carpal tunnel between the thumb and forefinger. There are two leading causes of CTS: repetitive motion and poor posture. Some occupations like sewing machine operators and keyboard users may be at an increased risk of developing CTS from repetitive motion. Improper posture can lead to CTS in the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. Hand pain may occur in the form of numbness, tingling, burning, or cramping. The severity of symptoms depends on the level of compression at which the carpal tunnel is injured. When pressure is placed on the carpal tunnel, symptoms may include persistent pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, and difficulty with delicate motor tasks. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in workers who spend long hours typing on a keyboard or holding a pen or pencil in their hands. While many assume that this repetitive motion will cause only minor discomfort, it can lead to serious health problems that can limit your ability to function normally. These problems include swelling in your hand and wrist, decreased range of motion at joints, nerve damage that can lead to numbness or tingling, and pain that can lead to shoulder or neck problems.

Head and Neck Injuries

Head and neck injuries are common in the workplace. A variety of accidents can lead to head and neck injuries, including falls, collisions, and explosions. In the workplace, it is not uncommon for workers to sustain head injuries from falling objects or equipment. This can happen when heavy machinery or objects fall on top of a worker’s head while working on an assembly line or in another manufacturing position. Head injuries can be severe and may result in permanent disability if not treated immediately. Some symptoms include blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), memory loss, confusion, loss of coordination, headache, or pain in the neck or back.

Burns

Burns in the workplace are a major cause of injury and illness. Burns can occur from hot objects that touch the skin, chemicals that come into contact with skin, or electrical shocks. Burns are also one of the most common causes of property damage in the workplace. Burns can cause damage to skin, muscles, tendons, and nerves. They also lead to an increased risk of infection and scarring. Skin damage may result from burns caused by hot surfaces or objects touching skin, including hot water pipes or steam pipes. Burns caused by chemicals include acids, solvents, and alkalis. Electrical burns occur when the electricity comes into contact with the skin, such as through faulty electrical equipment or while repairing faulty wiring. Other types of burns occur when sewage outlets get blocked, or employees fall into open manholes. It is essential to watch for signs and symptoms of a burn in the workplace to prevent further injury or illness. These signs include pain, swelling, redness around the wound, and a foul smell that may indicate infection. The best way to prevent burns in the workplace is to wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection such as goggles and face shields when working with chemicals or electrical equipment.

If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Our Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injury.