While slips, trips and falls often come to mind when discussing workplace injuries, many serious health risks lurk beneath the surface of seemingly safe environments.
These injuries can develop over time, cause chronic pain and significantly impact a worker’s life. Exploring lesser-understood yet severe workplace injuries can help to ensure that workers are more aware of various jobs’ occupational hazards. This knowledge can inspire workers to avoid certain kinds of harm, and to seek out assistance in the event that they sustain harm despite their best efforts.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
These injuries affect muscles, tendons and nerves due to repetitive motions or awkward postures. Common in office jobs, construction and manufacturing, RSIs can cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports extensively about musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a category that includes RSIs.
Toxic chemical exposure
Many workplaces utilize chemicals that can pose serious health risks if improperly handled. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation and even cancer. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a significant number of workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous chemicals each year.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
Constant exposure to loud noises can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss. Construction workers, factory workers and even musicians are at risk of NIHL. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that 22 million workers in the U.S. are exposed to potentially damaging noise levels at work.
Psychological injuries
The stressful nature of modern work can significantly impact a worker’s mental well-being. Work-related stress, anxiety and depression are on the rise. Work is a significant source of stress for a good number of employees. While difficult to quantify, mental health injuries can have a profound effect on worker productivity and overall well-being.
By recognizing these potential hazards, employees in various industries can work toward creating a safer and healthier work environment for themselves. Workers can also benefit from seeking legal help to pursue workers’ compensation if they suffer any of these injuries regardless of how safety-conscious they try to be on the job.