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Every year, over a million American suffer serious workplace injuries that can lead to significant time off from work, medical expenses, even death. If you don't want to be one of them, it is important to know the risks inherent in your workplace and be aware of what is most likely to lead to injury and lost work. You Are Your Own Worst Enemy Nearly 40% of all workplace injuries that require time off from work are sprains, strains, and tears. And nearly a quarter of all injuries are the result of overexertion. Don't work so hard that you hurt yourself. Never lift more than you are capable of, always practice appropriate lifting techniques, and wear a back brace or other safety equipment recommended in your profession. Also, know the limits of your endurance. Due to fatigue and loss of concentration, people become more likely to suffer very serious accidents as the length of their shift increases. Injuries suffered during the normal workday take about 7 days off to recover, but injuries suffered after 16 hours at work required about 54 days off to recover. Nurses, Orderlies, and EMTs Nurses and orderlies actually have the highest incidence of injuries requiring days off from work. Nurses, orderlies, and EMTs suffer more sprains, strains, and tears than other professions. Most commonly this is the result of moving patients. A human being can be an awkward thing to lift, and in many cases it can be hard to position yourself for proper lifting. Remember to always ask for help when lifting, moving, or repositioning a patient who is unable or unwilling to assist you. Stevedores and other Freight Handlers Freight handlers, including stevedores and longshoremen, suffer the second highest rate of injury. Because of the industry's focus on proper precautions, the number of strains in this profession has been decreasing in recent years, but still remains significant. Other dangers contribute significantly to your risk in this job, such as vehicles in the loading dock or warehouse, freight moving equipment or machinery, and heavy containers that can trap and crush workers. When a ship or truck pulls in, there is a complex bustle of activity, but do not let yourself become so occupied with your part of that activity that you lose track of what others are doing. Construction Workers Construction is another industry where injuries have been decreasing, but still remain very common. Falls account for a significant number of accidents for construction workers. Always make sure you wear a brace or harness when working up high and never engage in horseplay or other tomfoolery when working above the ground. Tools and materials are also a common source of injury. Make sure construction materials are neatly stacked in an area where they will not be likely to fall and cause injury. Always familiarize yourself with a tool before you use it and use it with respect. Carpenters, roofers, and other construction workers are more likely to suffer puncture wounds than any other profession. Semi Truck and Other Heavy Truck Drivers You may often be requested to help with the loading and unloading of your truck, which is often a normal and expected part of your job, but this doesn't mean you should expose yourself to additional risk. Make sure you follow the same precautions as other freight handlers to protect against overexertion. Don't add a long shift of moving freight to a long day of driving. Remember, the longer you work, the more likely you are to suffer injury. But no matter what your profession and despite all your precautions, you may still suffer a workplace injury. If you have been injured on the job, filing a workers' compensation claim for medical expenses and lost time can be complicated in Tennessee and Georgia. To learn more about protecting your rights after a workplace injury, please visit the website of Gary Starnes, Attorney at Law today.
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