Workplace accidents and injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. No matter how much we try to prevent them from happening, there are times when they cannot be avoided. In such situations, workers’ compensation can help pay for medical bills and lost wages of the injured employee.
Some may think that workers’ compensation applies in the construction industry or in a workplace that uses heavy machinery and equipment, but accidents can happen in any industry and in any company.
So, what workers’ compensation injuries are we all at risk of? The short answer is, it depends. Depending on the occupational field you are in, you are at risk of different types of injuries. Overall, here are the most common workers’ compensation injuries:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
A large portion of workplace injuries are caused by slips, trips, and falls. They often lead to fractures, sprains, and strains. This type of injury is often caused by wet/slippery floors or loose flooring. It is important to make sure that walkways and hallways are clear and safe to avoid any unwanted incidents from happening. You should also make sure to wear the right footwear and clothing for your occupation. This means, if you work in a place that often has slippery or wet floors, you should wear shoes that are resistant to slipping. Additionally, your workplace should be monitoring and fixing issues with flooring. Workspaces should be uncluttered and uneven floors should be fixed promptly.
Overexertion
A lot of workplace injuries are attributed to overexertion. This is most common among construction workers who carry heavy objects, which tend to overwork their muscles and joints. Some of the most common worker compensation injuries caused by overexertion include pulled muscles and ligament tears. When you overexert yourself and your body is not ready to take on so much pressure, it can lead to a variety of injuries. Overexertion also applies to office workers. For example, if you use your hands by typing for hours at a time, you could damage components of your wrists and hands. Therefore, make sure to only take on enough pressure that you can handle. Workplaces should have strict rules on how much pressure and weight each worker should take on.
Vehicular Accidents
Another common type of workplace injury is vehicular accidents. It is common for drivers and business personnel who travel to get into accidents while doing their job or traveling to or from a work destination. This is especially true if employees are in a rush to go to a meeting or to see a client. Always drive safely and put in ample time to travel to and from work destinations. Workplaces should instill excellent driving habits in their employees and ensure they are following driving laws at all times.
Hand & Upper Extremity Care in Delray Beach, Florida
If you have suffered an injury to your upper extremity as a result of a workplace injury, you need specialized care from Hand & Upper Extremity Care. Dr. Steve E. Meadows is an expert in orthopedic care and specializes in shoulder, wrist, elbow, and hand conditions and injuries.
Call us at (561) 496-6622 to schedule an appointment today. You can also request an appointment online.
