Everyone is aware that work can be hazardous, but it is often not until someone is injured that we pay attention.
Working with machines, tools, chemicals, and other materials brings with it its own set of risks that must be mitigated by both the employer and the employee, especially since OSHA has recorded over two million injured workers’ cases in the last two years.
There are, however, ways to reduce your risk of injury without sacrificing productivity or your willingness to complete necessary tasks. Continue reading to learn more about common work-related injuries and how to avoid them.
Strain and Sprain Injuries
Strains and sprains are the two most common workplace injuries. They can be minor or severe, but they are frequently avoidable. Here are some strategies for avoiding one or both of them.
- Warm up before beginning the job. It’s easy to rush into a job and just start working, but if you don’t warm up, you’re much more likely to pull a muscle or sprain a joint.
- Strains and sprains are common outcomes of poor posture. As a result, maintaining proper posture can help reduce these injuries and keep you from becoming overly tired too quickly.
Burns, Cuts, and Scrapes
Burns are common in a variety of occupations and can be caused by chemicals, electricity, or direct contact with heat or flame. Cuts and scrapes, on the other hand, can occur anywhere. They are frequently minor, but if not properly cared for, they can become infected.
That being said, here are some tips for avoiding workplace burnout:
- Wear the proper equipment and clothing: The proper equipment and clothing can help protect you from burns and cuts. Personal protective equipment, for example, can help you avoid injuries while working if you’re working with hot or sharp materials.
- Get equipment training: Training in the use of equipment and machinery can help you avoid mistakes that can result in burns.
Brain Damage
Many workers in a variety of industries suffer from brain or neuro damage as a result of a work-related incident.
Brain damage can be difficult to detect and often has no visible symptoms until many years after the incident. In fact, some people with brain damage are unaware of their condition until it begins to interfere with their daily lives.
Here are some of the most common workplace accidents that can cause brain damage, as well as tips on how to avoid them:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
The best way to avoid this type of accident is to drive cautiously. Make sure you follow all traffic laws, avoid distractions such as cell phone use, and never drive tired.
Struck by Objects or Equipment
Welding, woodworking, and many other types of work can cause serious brain damage if an object or piece of equipment strikes someone in the head. So, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the tool you’re using isn’t malfunctioning and isn’t endangering nearby workers.
Chemical Exposure
Most people are aware that toxic chemicals can cause health problems such as cancer, but few are aware that they can also cause brain damage. When working with potentially hazardous chemicals, always wear protective equipment such as face shields, goggles, ear plugs, and gloves.
What to Do if You Have a Work-Related Injury
Get Medical Care Right Away
While it is understandable that you do not want to go to the doctor unless absolutely necessary, it is even more critical that you do not ignore the signs of a workplace injury. See a doctor right away for medication and/or physical therapy to help you recover quickly.
Document Everything
Documenting everything is one of the most important things to do if you have workplace injuries. This includes the accident, any symptoms that resulted from it, and any treatment you have received.
If you ever need to file an insurance claim, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips. This documentation will also assist doctors and physical therapists in developing a treatment plan because they will have a clear understanding of what occurred.
Find a Lawyer
An employer or their insurance company can refuse to pay an injured worker their workers’ compensation insurance benefits such as paid medical leave or compensation for lost wages. In such a case, you may consider hiring a lawyer to help you receive the benefits you deserve.
Contact Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. for Brain-Related Diagnosis and Treatment
Finally, you may sustain a variety of workplace injuries. As a result, knowing what to do to recover quickly from workplace injuries is critical. This is especially true when neurological damage is a possibility.
Memory, reasoning, and visual processing are just a few of the functions that the brain performs for us on a daily basis. Any brain damage can have a significant impact on your life and how you function. That is why, if you suspect a brain injury, you should contact the Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C.
We are a workers’ compensation medical team dedicated to providing neurological care to injured employees so they can return to their normal work lives.
Call us at (347) 602-9530 to make an appointment with one of our doctors today.
