By: Capital Injury Law
Lesser Known Workplace Injuries and Their Impact in Tacoma, WA
Workplace injuries are often associated with common incidents like slips, trips, and falls, or injuries resulting from heavy machinery. However, there are several lesser-known workplace injuries that can be just as debilitating and impactful on employees’ lives. Recognizing these injuries is crucial for both prevention and proper response when they occur. This blog will explore some of these lesser-known workplace injuries, their causes, and the steps that can be taken to address them, with a focus on Tacoma, WA.
Page Guide
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): What Are RSIs?
Repetitive strain injuries occur when repetitive motions or overuse of specific muscles lead to pain and inflammation. These workplace injuries are common in professions that involve repetitive tasks, such as typing, using a mouse, or assembly line work. RSIs can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck.
Examples of RSIs
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition where the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
Tennis Elbow: Pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow, typically caused by repetitive wrist and arm motions.
Trigger Finger: A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight, often caused by repetitive gripping actions.
Prevention and Management
Preventing RSIs as workplace injuries involves ergonomic adjustments to workstations, regular breaks, and exercises to strengthen and stretch affected muscles. Tacoma employers can provide training on proper posture and ergonomic practices to help reduce the risk of RSIs.
Occupational Asthma: What Is Occupational Asthma?
Workplace injuries like occupational asthma is a type of asthma triggered by inhaling fumes, gases, dust, or other potentially harmful substances in the workplace. This condition can develop in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.
Causes and Symptoms
Workplace injuries like exposure to substances like chemicals, molds, animal dander, and dust mites can lead to the development of occupational asthma. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which can worsen during work hours and improve during weekends or vacations.
Prevention and Management
To prevent occupational asthma, Tacoma employers should ensure proper ventilation and provide protective equipment, such as masks or respirators. Regular monitoring of air quality and reducing exposure to known asthma triggers are also essential. Employees experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention and inform their employers to initiate appropriate workplace changes.
Hearing Loss: What Is Occupational Hearing Loss?
Occupational hearing loss occurs due to prolonged exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace. This condition is prevalent in industries like construction, manufacturing, and entertainment, where workers are frequently exposed to loud machinery, tools, or music.
Causes and Symptoms
Exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) over extended periods can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. Symptoms include difficulty hearing conversations, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a sensation of fullness in the ears.
Prevention and Management
Employers should conduct regular noise assessments and implement measures to reduce noise exposure, such as providing ear protection and creating quieter work environments. Employees should use hearing protection devices consistently and undergo regular hearing tests to monitor any changes in their hearing ability.
Vibration White Finger (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome): What Is Vibration White Finger?
Workplace injuries like vibration white finger, also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), is a condition caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools and machinery. It affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm.
Causes and Symptoms
Regular use of tools like jackhammers, chainsaws, and pneumatic drills can lead to HAVS. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation in the fingers, blanching (whitening) of the fingers, and reduced grip strength. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and disability.
Prevention and Management
To prevent HAVS, employers should limit the duration of exposure to vibrating tools and provide equipment with lower vibration levels. Workers should take regular breaks, use anti-vibration gloves, and maintain a firm but not overly tight grip on tools. Early symptoms should be reported promptly to prevent further damage.
Chemical Burns: What Are Chemical Burns?
Chemical burns occur when skin or eyes come into contact with hazardous chemicals, leading to tissue damage. These injuries are common in laboratories, manufacturing, and cleaning industries where workers handle corrosive substances.
Causes and Symptoms
Workplace injuries like chemical burns can result from exposure to acids, alkalis, solvents, and other harmful chemicals. Symptoms include redness, blistering, pain, and swelling at the site of contact. In severe cases, chemical burns can lead to deep tissue damage and scarring.
Prevention and Management
Employers should provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent workplace injuries. Safety protocols for handling and storing chemicals should be strictly followed, and workers should be trained on emergency procedures for chemical exposure. Immediate rinsing of the affected area with water and seeking medical attention are crucial in case of exposure.
Mental Health Issues: What Are Workplace Injuries Related Mental Health Issues?
Workplace-related mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, can arise from various factors, including high job demands, lack of control, poor work-life balance, and workplace harassment.
Causes and Symptoms
Chronic stress, excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and a hostile work environment can contribute to mental health problems. Symptoms include persistent sadness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.
Prevention and Management
Employers should promote a supportive work environment, encourage open communication, and provide resources for mental health support, such as counseling services and employee assistance programs. Regular breaks, manageable workloads, and a healthy work-life balance are also vital in preventing mental health issues.
Eye Strain: What Is Eye Strain?
Eye strain, also known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, occurs due to prolonged use of digital devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. It is increasingly common in today’s digital age, where many jobs require extended periods of screen time.
Causes and Symptoms
Staring at screens for long periods can cause eye fatigue, dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. Poor lighting, glare, and improper screen distance can exacerbate these symptoms.
Prevention and Management
To prevent eye strain, the 20-20-20 rule is recommended: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, using anti-glare screens, ensuring proper lighting, and taking regular breaks can help alleviate symptoms. Employers should encourage ergonomic practices and provide guidance on reducing digital eye strain.
Don’t Let Your Injury Go Uncompensated: You Deserve Justice in Tacoma
Lesser-known workplace injuries can significantly impact employees’ health and productivity. By recognizing and addressing these injuries, Tacoma employers can create a safer and more supportive work environment. Implementing preventive measures, providing appropriate training and resources, and fostering open communication are essential steps in mitigating the risk of these injuries. Workers should also be proactive in reporting symptoms and seeking medical attention to prevent long-term damage. Together, employers and employees in Tacoma can work towards a healthier, injury-free workplace. Give us a call when you need help after a workplace injury.
