Manufacturing industry jobs continue to be some of the riskiest in terms of workplace injuries. What makes these workplaces so hazardous?
Typically, manufacturing jobs involve repetitive motions, which can lead to physical and mental stress, and they’re full of hazards like chemicals and heavy machinery. With so many hazards, it is no surprise that accidents occur in factories. Factory workers can be crushed, hit by falling objects, suffer injuries due to malfunctioning equipment, suffer at the hands of human error, use poorly maintained personal protective equipment (PPE), or fall victim to work-related vehicle accidents.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common factory injuries.
6 Common & Dangerous Factory Injuries:
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common factory injury, particularly among workers who perform repetitive hand and wrist motions. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and sometimes severe pain in the hands and wrists. Early intervention can help prevent long-term issues and loss of dexterity.
But unfortunately, workers who develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on the job often have trouble filing for workers’ comp due to difficulties proving that their injury is work-related.
In recent years, there have been several court cases where factory workers were able to successfully argue for compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome. These cases set a precedent for future factory workers seeking compensation for this common factory injury. Such legal victories not only provide necessary financial support for injured workers, but they also put pressure on factory employers to prioritize the health and safety of their employees.
No one should have to suffer from a factory injury without proper support and care. That’s why it is important for workers who have developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to know their rights and seek appropriate medical treatment and a factory injury attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation.
If you or a loved one has developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at work, do not hesitate to reach out to a factory injury attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation for assistance in filing a claim.
2. Back Injuries
Back injuries can be painful and debilitating, often resulting in time off from work and a decrease in quality of life. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most common factory injuries.
There are many potential causes of back injuries in the factory setting, including:
• Lifting heavy objects
• Repetitive motions
• Poor ergonomics
• Working in awkward positions
Workers’ compensation for back pain can provide necessary financial support during recovery, but the best approach is prevention. Employers should provide training on proper lifting techniques and offer ergonomic adjustments, such as standing desk options.
Regular stretching and exercise can also help workers avoid back injuries. The factory floor should also be kept clean of potential trip hazards, and workers should be provided with comfortable and supportive chairs that encourage good posture.
When a factory accident injury does occur, workers should seek immediate medical attention and report it to their employer in order to ensure they receive appropriate workers’ compensation benefits. Taking care of our backs at work can lead to a happier and healthier workplace overall.
3. Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders, often caused by repetitive motion or heavy lifting, continue to be a major issue in the workplace. In fact, workers’ compensation claims for musculoskeletal disorders account for a significant portion of overall workers’ compensation costs.
There are many types of musculoskeletal disorders, including:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Epicondylitis
• De Quervain’s disease
• Lower back pain
While some of these conditions can be treated with rest and ice, others may require more extensive medical treatment, including surgery. And in some cases, workers may never fully recover and are forced to change careers.
These disorders can lead to severe pain and loss of mobility, making it difficult for workers to perform their jobs. They can also result in long-term disability, which can have a major impact on a person’s life.
Workers’ compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatment and lost wages, but the best way to avoid musculoskeletal disorders is through prevention. Employers should take steps to prevent musculoskeletal disorders by providing regular breaks, ensuring proper ergonomics, and offering training on how to lift heavy objects safely.
Additionally, factory workers should report any discomfort or pain they experience on the job as soon as possible in order to receive proper treatment and avoid further injury.
4. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and employment opportunities. With the combination of loud, repetitive machinery and lack of hearing safety measures, hearing loss can often be the result of the standard manufacturing environment.
Without proper precautions, factory employees may continually be exposed to hazardous noise levels that can cause permanent damage to their hearing. Taking steps to reduce noise in the factory setting and providing hearing protection can not only prevent this type of factory injury, but also improve overall productivity and morale in the workplace
Fortunately, workers’ compensation may cover the cost of medical treatment and hearing aids if the loss is determined to be job-related.
It is important for workers to report any incidents that may have caused damage to their ears, as well as any concerning changes in their hearing abilities. Neglecting to do so could potentially jeopardize their eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits in the future.
If you suspect that your hearing loss may be related to a factory injury, speak with your employer and request an evaluation by a medical professional, then contact a workplace accident lawyer or law firm. Take care of your hearing health, both on and off the job.
5. Eye Injuries
Eye injuries in the workplace are all too common, particularly in factory settings. Employers have a responsibility to provide workers with the necessary safety gear, but accidents still happen.
The most common type of eye injury in the workplace is an eye injury caused by a foreign body. This can be anything from a small particle to a chemical. Most of these injuries are relatively minor and can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but some can be more serious and require medical attention.
Some other common types of eye injuries in the workplace include burns, lacerations, and punctures. These injuries can be caused by a variety of things, including chemical burns, flying debris, and contact with machinery.
Workers’ compensation may cover the cost of medical treatment for an eye injury, as well as any necessary vision therapy or rehabilitation. In some cases, it may also provide benefits for lost wages if the injury results in time off from work.
In the event of an eye injury at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages. And if your employer is not taking proper precautions to prevent eye injuries or is denying workers’ compensation, seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your rights.
6. Chemical Burns
Chemical burns can be some of the most painful and devastating injuries a person can experience, and they often occur in manufacturing settings where factory workers are exposed to harsh chemicals on a daily basis.
Chemical burns can cause serious, long-term damage and may require extensive medical treatment. In some cases, they can even be fatal. The severity of a chemical burn depends on the type of chemical involved, the amount of the chemical that was spilled or splashed on the victim, and the length of time the chemical is in contact with the skin.
Workers who are exposed to harsh chemicals on a daily basis are at risk for developing chemical burns. Factory workers, janitors, and anyone who handles chemicals should take precautions to avoid coming into contact with these substances. Some common types of chemicals that can cause chemical burns include acids, bases, solvents, and oxidizers.
If you are injured by a chemical in a workplace accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to treat the injury yourself. Even if the injury does not seem serious at first, it is important to get it checked out by a doctor.
Minor burns can turn into major injuries if not treated properly. You may also want to consult a factory injury lawyer who specializes in manufacturing chemical burns to find out if you are eligible for compensation.
By staying informed about workers’ rights and taking swift action, we can help protect factory workers from suffering from the devastating effects of chemical burns.
Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen: New Jersey Factory Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been the victim of a factory injury, you know how debilitating and even soul-crushing it can be. You may have mounting medical bills, be in chronic pain, and be unable to work and take care of your family. Your life has changed forever.
As board-certified workers’ compensation attorneys, we understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped countless victims of factory injuries recover the medical treatment and compensation they need and deserve. We’ll fight for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
If you were injured on the job in a factory, contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first steps after your factory injury toward getting your life back on track.
