Pathophysiology
Work-related injuries most often include:
- Physical injuries – injuries to the muscles, tendons, ankles, head, face, neck, shoulders, and back
- Psychological or psychiatric injuries – anxiety or panic attacks due to stress or work overload
- Repetitive stress injuries – by doing the same task repetitively for an extended period, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Diseases – caused by inhaling certain irritants specific to the workplace or contaminated specimens such as in hospitals or chemical plants
Causes
The common causes of work-related injuries are falls, slips, contact with a hard surface, or inhaling harmful chemicals. Following are the few reasons for injuries at the workplace:
- Fall or slip: Slipping on the wet floor or falling from the ladder cause bruises and fractures.
- Muscle strain or sprain: Overexertion of the muscles due to lifting heavy weights, overwork without a break, and or uncomfortable positions can cause muscle strain.
- Falling objects: Fractures of the bones occur through falling or misplaced objects.
- Hitting a hard surface: Traumatic head injuries or bone fractures may happen by falling on a hard surface due to wet or slippery conditions.
- Vehicle: Accidents or collisions while driving the vehicle are common causes of work-related injuries.
- Chemical injury: Harmful substances or chemicals in the workplace cause injuries to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Treatment
Treatment of work-related injuries depends on the underlying injury and the severity of the injury. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, suturing, and pain management are all first-line treatments for work-related injuries.
To avoid work-related injuries, preventive measures should be adopted. Following are some preventive measures:
- Be aware of the surrounding materials and be attentive to avoid slipping or falling on wet or icy floors.
- To prevent muscle strain, use proper lifting techniques and avoid lifting weights that are too heavy.
- Don’t work continuously. Take breaks to relax and stretch.
- Avoid loose clothing if you work in an environment with machinery or moving equipment.
- Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
- If you are working with a vehicle, use proper safety belts.
- Use safety goggles, gloves, or ear protection equipment.
- Keep a chemical safety data sheet to address chemical injuries.
Proper inspection and maintenance of the machinery and vehicles. Facial abrasions and considered more serious as these have a higher risk of cicatrization and should be cleaned,debrided, and dressed daily. Dressings may require skin adhesives like the combination of gum mastic, styrax,alcohol, and methyl salicylate or tincture of benzoin.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
Work-related injuries are common. You should visit your medical provider if an injury causes any physical or psychological issues. Any physical exertion beyond the body’s capacity should be dealt with by consulting a medical provider. Immediately visit a medical provider after falling from a high point, or if a heavy object falls on you. Blast or chemical cases need emergency treatment. Immediate medical attention can prevent further damage and prevent long term issues.
Treatment for work-related injuries is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.