How the Modern Workplace is Making You More Vulnerable to Injury

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, on-the-job injuries are responsible for two million visits to the emergency room each year, not to mention the over 12 million workers’ compensation claims paid out by employers in 2020 alone. 

While this may not be what you expect to hear from your own personal injury lawyer, it’s important to understand that workplace safety regulations are vital in preventing costly injuries down the road. 

Here are some ways that today’s modern workplace can make you more vulnerable to injury, along with how you can stay safe at work.

• Falling

Falling at work can result in serious injury. A recent study found that employees fall an average of 1.7 times per year and spend about 7 days out of work due to these injuries. At home, you may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance, but you’re more vulnerable when you’re at work. 

An easy way to protect yourself is simply by purchasing some basic safety equipment like slip-resistant shoes or wrist supports. Unfortunately, it may take an injury for you to realize just how useful these items are! 

Personal injury attorneys at Katherine R. Moore Law Offices are also good resources if you’re injured on the job, as they can help ensure workers’ compensation covers medical bills and lost wages if your employer doesn’t respond quickly enough, or at all.

• Injuries from Repetitive Motions

Overexertion and physical trauma, such as slips and falls, are responsible for many injuries—but you can also be injured by repetitive motions that never leave a trace. 

The most common culprits are carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). If you’re in pain while performing your job, seek medical attention right away.

• Herniated Discs

Studies have shown that sitting at a desk can put pressure on your spine, leading to herniated discs—and not just for people who are already prone to back problems. 

When you’re seated at a desk all day, your body is in one position for an extended period. 

That can put stress on your back and cause spinal discs to rupture or become compressed. Take a break to stretch or walk around in your office after sitting down for too long.

• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Because we’re spending more and more time in front of a computer, which increases our risk of tendinitis and other musculoskeletal disorders, many personal injury lawyers are seeing a rise in claims. 

Because these injuries can cause significant pain and suffering for weeks or even months after an incident, workers should seek out medical treatment immediately and should be prepared to file a claim if their injury isn’t resolved by their employer.

Conclusion

Following these tips can help you get on your way toward a safer work environment and the help of a personal injury lawyer, but there’s no such thing as 100% perfect safety. 

There will always be some risks involved in everything we do; some workplaces are inherently more dangerous than others – that’s just a fact of life. Safety at the workplace starts with you.