Workplace injuries are common in many companies, especially in the industrial sector. The factory management has to apply the appropriate safety measures to protect workers from accidents and injuries on their premises.
Most industrial workers use dangerous tools, equipment, and chemicals that put them at risk of different types of injuries. This article outlines the common factory worker injuries and how they arise.
Overexertion Injuries
Overexertion injuries refer to musculoskeletal problems such as sprains, strains, neck, and back injuries. These injuries occur when an employee works beyond their physical capabilities, and these types of injuries are prevalent in factories that have fewer employees than workload. In such instances, an employee may lift heavy loads for long hours without a break, which can lead to neck and back injuries.
Overexertion is also associated with dehydration when an employee sweats too much for their hydration levels. Dehydration is dangerous and could lead to passing out and other complications. Hence, an employer needs to hire a sufficient workforce to handle a particular task.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
A significant number of tasks in some factories require repetitive movements. For example, some machines are operated by turning the wheels for an extended period. This can lead to repetitive motion injuries, which occur after ligaments and tendons are worn out.
If you operate a machine in your company that makes you experience leg or arm pains, you may have repetitive motion injuries.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Many factories use or produce liquids such as oil or grease for various purposes. These fluids sometimes end up on the floor and increase the risk of slip and fall accidents, especially in factories that require employees to move around quickly.
Slips and falls can cause back injuries, broken bones, head injuries, sprains, and spinal injuries. Employers should ensure that their floors are always clean and dry. The supervisors need to monitor the floor for any dangerous spills and instruct factory cleaners to clear the mess right away.
Cuts
Sharp objects such as box openers, nails, razors, and sticks are required in some factories. However, these sharp tools can lead to cuts or lacerations. Employers have a responsibility to train the employees on how to use these sharp objects to avoid injuries. They should also provide special boxes to keep these objects in and remind employees to put sharp objects back after usage.
Chemical Injuries
Some factories use chemicals in their routine operations, and these chemicals can pose a significant risk to the employees. If this is the case, employers should ensure that employees have the right protective clothing to prevent contact or inhalation of toxic chemicals. Negligence on the side of the employer could lead to severe health issues.
Also, chemical spills can cause irritation or burns, while extended exposure to chemicals increases the risk of long-term illnesses such as skin cancer or respiratory issues. You may be able to take legal action against a company that exposes you to harmful chemicals for an extended period despite wearing safety gear.
Collision Injuries
In many factories, materials are typically lifted and moved around by forklifts. If two forklifts from different directions collide into each other, the forklift operators could sustain injuries. Thus, the employer should hire trained operators and have supervisors in place to control movements in the warehouse.
Also, other employees should not use the same area as the forklifts at the same time to reduce the risk of accidents.
Contact With an Object
A machine could hit an employee and cause them to fall, which may lead to back injuries. Also, a worker’s piece of cloth may be caught in an object, which can lead to injuries. The employers should not have potentially dangerous machines in busy areas and should provide appropriate safety signs in different parts of the factory.
If you sustain an injury in a factory due to your employer’s negligence, you need to take legal action. Our lawyers can help you pursue a work injury claim to get compensated. If you need advice or legal representation, contact Siben & Siben LLP.