Common Overlooked Workplace Injuries To Be On The Lookout For In 2020
Personal Injury,Work Injury,Workers' Compensation - March 28, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
When it comes to the workplace, you want to stay safe. Any workplace injury has the potential to cause immense pain and suffering and a loss of income. Unfortunately, work injuries are not uncommon in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we know that there were approximately 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported during the latest year of data available.
Here, we want to discuss some of the most commonly overlooked work injuries you need to be aware of this year. Your health matters, so now is the time to take steps to prevent a workplace injury.
Commonly overlooked injuries in the workplace
1. Repetitive stress injuries
A repetitive stress injury (RSI) happens when workers perform the same motions over and over again. These injuries often occur due to poor work ergonomics and improper training by employers. RSIs can lead to long-lasting disabilities and a loss of earning potential for victims.
2. Injuries to the eyes
There are various ways that eye injuries occur in the workplace. They are often caused by a continual strain of the eyes due to staring at computer monitors. However, eye injuries can also be caused by particles in the air or by flying debris.
3. Hearing loss
Workers who are exposed to continuous loud noises have a high risk of sustaining hearing loss. Even when using ear protection, hearing loss can occur. OSHA has strict regulations concerning loud noises in the work environment and how employers are supposed to protect workers.
4. Lung illnesses
When workers are exposed to industrial chemicals and airborne particles over longer periods of time, they can sustain severe lung damage. Chronic lung illnesses caused by the workplace can be detrimental to a person’s health and cause immeasurable pain and suffering.
5. Heart attacks/stroke
High-stress jobs can have an impact on a person’s internal health. Stress and job anxiety can impact a person’s blood pressure, alter a person’s mood, and change their long-term health. Heart attacks and stroke are common workplace injuries, though they may not necessarily happen at work.
6. Mental health injuries
Just like stressful jobs can cause internal health problems, they can also negatively impact our mental health. Depression and anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known workplace injuries. Mental health injuries caused by the workplace deserve to be treated just like any other injury so a worker can get the care they need.
If you are injured at work
It is vital that employers and employees work together to maintain a safe working environment. Employers have a duty to ensure that their workers are safe as reasonably possible. They should provide all employees with proper equipment for the job, and they should train employees to perform their duties in ways that reduce the risk of injuries.
If you are injured at work, you should be entitled to coverage through the state’s workers’ compensation system. This should provide coverage for your medical expenses as well as a portion of your lost income. However, because many of the injuries we discussed may be harder to pinpoint on workplace causes, you may need an attorney to help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
