The Most Common Injuries Experienced by Florida Factory Workers
In 2018, it was recorded that approximately 14.4 million people in the U.S. worked in a manufacturing or factory setting. These are the individuals responsible for making the products and goods used each day by people around the world.
Unfortunately, the factory setting can be dangerous. The dangers present cause several types of injuries among workers. Getting to know the most common injuries can be helpful for those in this position.
Keep in mind that if you are injured while on the job, you may have the right to recover compensation. It is best to speak to an attorney to know for sure.
Overexertion Injuries
Factory workers may overexert themselves by lifting something that is too heavy or by working on their feet for several hours with no breaks.
Overexertion can cause musculoskeletal problems and impact your nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Factory work is often very physical and requires stamina to handle the tasks. Some activities that must be done can cause severe neck and back injuries that impact a person’s future ability to work.
Another type of overexertion injury is caused by dehydration. If workers are not allowed to go on break and are working in a hot environment, it is a serious concern. Dehydration leads to heat exhaustion, which can cause falling or fainting. Today, mandatory breaks have been implemented to help keep workers from overexerting themselves.
Contact with Equipment or an Object
Some factory workers are injured if they come in contact with a piece of equipment or object. One example is factory workers who may have their clothing caught in a machine. This may lead to a crushed limb.
Workers may also be crushed, stuck, or caught in a piece of falling equipment or a collapsing structure.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Some factories have slippery, wet surfaces, while others have uneven steps. Some workers may spill lubricants or oil on the floor, resulting in a loss of traction and causing slips and falls.
If a slip and fall occur, an individual may experience several different types of injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Spine or neck injuries
- Head injuries
Other types of traumatic injuries may occur because of a slip and fall, as well.
Usually, factories do not have soft surfaces for someone to land on if they fall, which means workers collide with the hard ground, a piece of equipment, or something equally unyielding.
Employers need to ensure the work environments are free from hazards that can cause a slip and fall or be held liable for the accident and injury.
Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs)
RMIs occur when a factory worker repeats the same motion repeatedly, day after day, for a long time. The injuries can develop as time passes, as the worker’s connective tissues, including the ligaments and tendons, wear down and inflate. The longer this type of injury goes without treatment, the worse the condition will become.
Explosions and Fires
If you work in a factory with combustible materials present to create something, it is worth noting that these materials may catch on fire due to lightning strikes, machine sparks, or other fire sources. Even an explosion or fire can put workers in danger and cause nerve damage, skin damage, burns, and even death. The fumes and smoke caused by the explosion or fire can cause injuries, as well.
Contact an Attorney for More Information
If you are injured while working in a factory setting, you have rights. Be sure to contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at Sternberg-Forsythe at 561-687-5660for a free consultation. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.