A workplace injury is an injury that occurs when you are engaged in your work. While injuries mainly refer to specific events, they come in different types. You can also suffer repetitive motion or overuse injuries at the workplace, and they can result in painful chronic conditions that may affect the health of your back, shoulders, knees, and hips, to name just a few. When you suffer a work-related injury in Colonia, you should see a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries
Some industries have a higher risk for work-related injuries than others, and you need to know the potential risks and how to act safely when in the work environment. Below are some of the common causes of both fatal and non-fatal work injuries:
Overexertion and Bodily Reaction
For several years, this has been the leading cause of workplace injuries. Everyday activities under this category include lifting, pushing, pulling, throwing, carrying, and holding. Almost every activity that requires you to use physical effort can result in a workplace injury. In this case, you may sprain or tear a muscle, ligament, or tendon. You can avoid such injuries by getting adequate training and using safety equipment. You, the work, should also act responsibly and sensibly when moving heavy items.
Falls, Slips, and Trips
Slip and fall accidents also rank among the most common causes of workplace injuries. Even a minor slip and fall accident can leave you nursing broken bones, bruises, and soreness. Like other injuries, you can avoid slip and fall accidents. You should never leave hazards that could cause someone to trip or fall. Organizations should also notify the employees of the dangers and provide details on how to avoid them.
Contact With Equipment or Objects
While performing your job, you will come into contact with equipment or objects of some form. It can happen to anyone in any industry. The equipment you use can cause injuries such as cuts, lacerations, or more severe injuries. Employers can reduce such injuries by providing training on how to use equipment and protective guards. Raising awareness about potential hazards can also help.
What Chronic Conditions Could Result From Workplace Conditions?
Although you can quickly establish a connection between lasting damage arising from an injury that happened at a specific time versus long-term damage that comes due to years of repetitive motion, they both count as workplace injuries if they happened at the workplace. Such injuries can result in chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, muscle strains, knee pain, and arthritis.
How Can You Prevent Workplace Injuries?
Although treatments exist to help treat workplace injuries, you are better off preventing these injuries in the first place. You can adjust your workplace conditions to put less strain on your body while working. You can convert to a more ergonomic workstation, change the rate of work, and modify tasks. You can also educate your employees on proper techniques and adjust their jobs.
To summarize, workplace injuries refer to injuries that occur while you are engaged in your job. Common causes of workplace injuries include overexertion and bodily reaction, slips, falls, and contact with objects and equipment. Workplace conditions can also lead to long-term damage such as carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, muscle strains, knee pain, and arthritis. You can prevent workplace injuries through proper training on how to use equipment; You can avoid injuries in the workplace by working in a more ergonomic setup, changing the rate of work, and modifying tasks.
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