It’s no secret that the workplace can be dangerous. Every year, thousands of people are injured on the job, and many of those injuries are due to negligence on the part of the employer. However, despite these risks, most people do not know how to deal with workplace injuries.
This article will discuss the most common types of workplace injuries in Tennessee and how to prevent them or deal with them if you get injured.
Brain Injuries
This type of injury can occur due to falls, being struck in the head by an object, or even exposure to toxic chemicals. The best way to avoid this type of injury is to follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate protective gear if necessary.
If you are exposed to hazardous materials on the job, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching any part of your body. If you do sustain a blow to the head, seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t appear to have any symptoms right away. Many brain injuries are initially asymptomatic, but they can still be serious.
If you suffer from injuries like these because of the negligence of your employer, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. According to the Morristown workers compensation lawyer, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. This compensation can help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to your injury.
Back Injuries
One of the most common workplace injuries is back pain. It is typically caused by long hours spent sitting in one position, heavy lifting, and repetitive motions that put a strain on the back muscles. The best way to avoid this type of injury is to practice good posture at all times, take breaks between tasks that require heavy lifting, and try to find work positions that don’t involve a lot of bending over or twisting.
If you already have back pain due to your job, be sure to talk to your supervisor about how you can make your job easier, or consider talking to a chiropractor or physical therapist for further help.
You can also ask for an ergonomic workstation to be installed which will help with your posture and avoid back pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Another common workplace injury is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by repetitive motions of the hands and wrists. People who work on computers or do other manual labor are at a higher risk of developing this condition. It can affect both hands and cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the wrists and fingers.
The best way to prevent it is to take breaks often, stretch your hands and wrists regularly, and use ergonomic devices such as keyboards and mice that put less strain on the wrists. If you already have carpal tunnel syndrome, try doing stretching exercises for your hand and wrist muscles, wear a splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position, and avoid any activities that worsen your symptoms.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
This category of injury includes sprains and strains, torn ligaments or tendons, joint pain, and bursitis. It is typically caused by heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or long hours spent in one position. Prevention includes using correct lifting techniques, avoiding heavy or repetitive work if possible, and taking breaks every so often.
On the other hand, if you do sustain musculoskeletal injuries, it is important to seek medical attention right away and follow your Tennessee doctor’s orders. If you are unable to work because of your injury, be sure to let your supervisor know so that you can file a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit as necessary.
Respiratory Injuries
This type of injury can be caused by exposure to fumes or chemicals. The best way to avoid developing respiratory injuries is to wear a proper respirator when working in hazardous conditions, follow all safety instructions at work, and have regular physicals done so that you can catch issues early on.
If you do sustain a respiratory injury, be sure to talk to your doctor about it and follow their treatment plan. It is also important to let your employer know right away so that they can file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf if needed. Respiratory injuries can have long-term effects, so it is essential to seek medical care right away and follow your doctor’s orders.
If you do sustain injuries like these at work, seek medical attention right away. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim if you aren’t able to keep working due to your injury.
And remember that pain in the workplace is not something to be ignored. Ignored pain will lead to injury and lost productivity, so if you are experiencing any type of pain at work, do not hesitate to speak up! You may need a break or an adjustment in your work duties to avoid further injury.
