Typically, sustaining injuries at work can be a frustrating ordeal. Aside from your physical recovery, you may also have to deal with other serious consequences such as the inability to work for a while, financial problems due to hospital and medical bills, long-term medical treatment in case of disability, and many more. Hence, all of these make workplace accidents and injuries a traumatic experience.
With that being said, it’s important to familiarize the common injuries usually arising in the workplace and how to deal with them if you’re an employee. That way, you’ll know what to do to prevent work-related accidents from the get-go.
Listed below are just some of the common workplace injuries you and your colleagues may encounter and how to manage them.
1. Fractures
One of the common injuries that usually happen in the workplace is fractures. These are broken bones in whatever part of your body that occur as a result of accidental slips and falls and other unforeseen forceful and heavy impact events.
When you happen to sustain a fracture following a workplace accident, you may have to be asked to stay still. Since a simple fracture can severe a nerve or a blood vessel, immobilization of the injured part is necessary to avoid a much more serious injury from developing. Be sure you get transported to the nearest hospital right away for immediate medical attention.
Moreover, if the broken bones are so severe that they hinder you from going back to work or performing everyday tasks you once did, then it’s advised to seek treatment from a chiropractor. Generally, considering chiropractic care after a workplace accident may be a good idea since it’s usually covered by most companies’ worker’s compensation insurance programs.
So, if you have fractures, start looking for the best chiropractors for workers’ comp patients like you for treatment.
2. Strains, Sprains, And Tears
Another set of workplace injuries that you should know about strains, sprains, and tears. Primarily, they’re injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments in your body. They’re mostly caused by slip and fall accidents while at work, overexertion, and others.
Thus, when you sustain one of these injuries, it’s also essential to immobilize the affected area to manage it properly. Once you’re done, you may proceed with the elevation of the affected body part. Application of a compress pack to ease the swelling is recommended. In case your sprain, strain, or tear is accompanied by discoloration and severe pain, the best thing to do is rush to the Emergency Room and get medical care right away.
3. Bruises And Contusions
When you get hit by a moving or stationary object with a forceful impact while working for your employer, it can result in bruises and contusions. When this happens, the injured part of your body becomes swollen and discolored.
To manage these work-related injuries, it can be a good idea to use over-the-counter pain killers to ease the pain. If you want to improve the appearance of the bruise or contusion, rolling over a bottle filled with lukewarm water over the affected area can be an excellent idea. However, if you feel severe pain in the injured area, seek proper treatment from the company physician immediately.
4. Chemical Burns And Corrosions
If your job involves everyday exposure to hazardous chemicals such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid, there’s a high chance you may sustain a chemical burn and corrosion in an accident. In case you suffer from this work injury, it’s crucial to know what steps to take to manage it properly.
It’s generally advised to perform the following:
- Flush the chemical from your skin with running water.
- Apply a cool compress on the affected area to ease the pain.
- Cover the injured part with a clean sheet or cloth to avoid contact with possible contaminants that may lead to an infection.
Although the abovementioned tips are said to provide relief, it’s best to call local emergency services right away if you manifest any serious bodily reaction in relation to the injury.
5. Cuts And Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations caused by the performance of duties in the workplace are believed to be a very common occurrence. If your work involves the use of sharp objects such as metal blades, knives, and glass, you’re more likely to suffer from accidental cuts that lead to wounds. These injuries can become very serious if not treated properly.
So, if you have cuts and lacerations as a result of a workplace accident, the following steps can be used to manage them more effectively:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water if the bleeding isn’t serious.
- Use a sterilized gauge to cover the wound and hold it with adhesive tape.
- Apply direct pressure if there’s excessive bleeding preset. It’s advised not to remove debris from your wounds on your own.
- If the injury is more serious than it seems, seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
Indeed, dealing with injuries incurred while at work is never easy. Depending on their type and severity, workplace accidents can have a life-changing impact on you and your loved ones. In such a case, you may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive medical and wage replacement benefits while you’re recovering from the bodily harm you’ve gotten while performing your duties.
If your job happens to entail very high chances of getting injured, keep the tips mentioned above in mind so you’ll know what to do in case any one of them happens to you or your colleague.
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