According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers have reported nearly 3 million serious work-related injuries and illnesses. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you know just how traumatic a work injury can be. But if you haven’t been injured yet, that doesn’t mean you won’t be in danger. Here are four common injuries in the workplace:
Slip and fall
Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common injuries in the workplace. They account for more than 30% of all accidents on the job. This makes sense when you think about it: most slips and falls happen because something wasn’t maintained properly.
Slip-and-falls can cause serious injury (or worse) if you hit your head or break a bone—and because falling is unpredictable, there’s no way to know if you’ll land safely or not. In addition, recovery from these types of injuries is often long-term; even with proper treatment, there may be lasting effects from your accident, such as chronic pain or muscle weakness which could impact how active you are in your daily life.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful wrist injury caused by repetitive movements such as typing on a keyboard or playing video games. It can be treated with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who work with computers, so try to take breaks when you have pain in your hands or wrists.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is joint among workers. It is more common among overweight people who sit all day at work and those who do not exercise regularly. If you experience lower back pain after a job-related injury, talk to your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. They can suggest the best physical therapist to help with your back issues.
Muscle strain
Muscle strain is a common injury caused by the overuse of muscle tissue. It can also be caused by lifting something too heavy or using your muscles in an environment you’re not used to (e.g., working outside in the cold).
When you strain a muscle, your muscle fibers are torn or damaged. This can cause pain and inflammation, making it hard to move around and do your job as usual.
Muscle strain is preventable if you take precautions when performing tasks that could cause it—for example, avoiding lifting heavy weights without assistance or taking breaks from sitting at a desk throughout the day. If you hurt yourself and experience symptoms like pain or swelling, see a doctor right away to diagnose what’s wrong with your body so they can mend appropriate treatment options like physical therapy sessions, which might include heat therapy or massage.
Conclusion
Workplace injuries have increased over the last couple of years, with no end. We need to do everything possible to keep our employees safe. One way is to provide them with proper training and education on avoiding them. Another is to invest in ergonomic equipment to reduce repetitive tasks and eliminate unnecessary strain on workers’ bodies. This will help prevent future claims and create a happier environment.
