A work-related injury is an unexpected challenge that can have a devastating effect on your family and finances. Nobody plans on getting hurt on the job, but it can happen to anyone, in any industry.
Many workplace injuries involve overexertion, slipping, tripping, falling, or repetitive movements. These injuries can often involve the bone and joints, so an orthopedic physician is often involved in workers’ compensation cases. Fortunately, these injuries can be avoided with a little extra care and caution on the job.
Overexertion injuries are the #1 most common workplace injury that can be prevented. Be careful about how you pull, push, lift, or carry equipment and supplies at work. Lift with your legs, not your back. Take breaks, especially if you are feeling sore.
Slipping, tripping, and falling at work is the #2 most common workplace injury that can be prevented. Watch out for slippery floors and pavement, and look where you are going at all times. Wearing appropriate footwear for your job is also very important.
Repetitive motion injuries are also on the list at #9. While these injuries may be harder to prevent because they are specifically related to your tasks at work, you should always give your body a break. Our bodies were not meant to do the same activity for 8 hours every day, so try taking a 10 or 15-minute break every hour to avoid tendonitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions related to repetitive motion or overuse.
See the complete list of preventable workplace injuries below. Have any of these happened to you?
- Overexertion
- Slipping/tripping/falling
- Falling from heights, such as falling off a ladder or roof
- Reaction injuries, like a jerky, sudden movement in response to slipping or tripping
- Falling or dropped objects
- Accidentally hitting your toe, foot, or head on an object or wall
- Vehicle crashes
- Machine entanglement
- Repetitive motion injury
- On-the-job violence
Employer/employee training is a good way to avoid some of these injuries, by conducting training on the use of personal safety equipment such as hard hats, or the placement of wet floor signs, and guardrails around slippery and hazardous areas, and how to properly use machinery. Make it your responsibility to know and follow your employer’s safety policies.
If your life has been affected by a work related injury, come see the local worker’s comp experts at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Arizona. We understand your challenges and are experienced in working with Arizona’s employers to minimize time off from work. We have three locations and 32 orthopedic physicians and therapists ready to get you back to work.
Visit our website and request your first appointment today.