MenuOccupational Injuries & Workers Compensation
Occupational injuries
Injuries at work place are very common and may be debilitating. Workplace injuries often occur because of high-risk jobs, lack of or scarcity in safety devices, lack of training, and higher numbers of manual workers.
Occupational injuries can be categorized in many ways such as injuries by nature of job, injuries related to various organs, and injuries based on severity. Injuries at work place may affect any part of the body and at times at multiple locations. Based on the body part affected, occupational injuries can be classified as injuries to head, neck, trunk, upper limbs, lower limbs, and multiple locations.
The common injuries at work place include:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Bone dislocations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Injuries requiring limb amputations
Spinal injuries are the most common workplace injuries that may occur while operating heavy machines, lifting heavy objects, driving automobiles, or when you suffer a fall at workplace.
Common spinal injuries you may suffer at workplace include:
- Chronic low back pain
- Fractures
- Dislocation of adjacent bones
- Partial misalignment (subluxation) of adjacent bones
- Disc compression (herniated disc)
- Hematoma (accumulation of blood)
- Partial or complete tears of ligaments
The most common symptom of spinal injuries is pain. Some injuries may damage spinal nerves that may cause inflammation, loss of muscle control and loss of sensation. Symptoms may proceed to paralysis, limited movement, and immobility. Workplace injuries are diagnosed using X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Depending on the type and severity of injury, treatment will be initiated. Regardless of the type of injury, patient should be provided first aid that includes
- ABC: Airway, breathing and circulation
- Immobilization of the body part affected to avoid further injury
- Shift to hospital and once stabilized, methylprednisone can be administered (within 8 hours after injury) to reduce swelling and further tissue damage.
Your doctor may recommend rehabilitation that includes physiotherapy to promote complete and faster healing.
Workers Compensation
Workman’s compensation is the monetary compensation offered from an employer to an injured employee or to the dependents in cases of death.
Injuries at work place are very common and may be debilitating. Workplace injuries often occur because of high-risk jobs, lack of or scarcity in safety devices, lack of training, higher number of manual workers and repetitive stress.
Repetitive stress injuries are the most common types of work-related injuries with several risk factors, including repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertion of the hands and prolonged awkward postures.
Common injuries at the work place include:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Bone dislocations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Injuries requiring limb amputations
Depending on the type and severity of injury, treatment will be initiated. Regardless of the type of injury, patients should be provided first aid at the workplace including:
- ABC: Airway, breathing and circulation
- Immobilization of the body part affected to avoid further injury
- Transportation for further evaluation at a hospital or physician’s office
An individual will be eligible to claim workman’s compensation if the individual suffers injuries or illnesses during employment and if caused by the nature of work. However if the injury occurred is because of negligence of an individual to obey safety rules, if the individual was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the disability from the injury lasts for ≤3 days, then the employer will not be liable to pay compensation.
Your doctor plays an important role in treating work related injuries and diseases, helping patients recover from occupational injuries and illnesses.
