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What are Workplace Injuries?

Injuries at the workplace are very common and may be debilitating. Workplace injuries often occur because of high-risk jobs, lack of or scarcity of safety devices, lack of training, and higher numbers of manual workers.

Different Types of Work Place Injuries

Occupational injuries can be categorised in many ways such as injuries by nature of the job, injuries related to various organs, and injuries based on severity. Injuries at the workplace may affect any part of the body and at times at multiple locations. Based on the body part affected, occupational injuries can be classified as injuries to head, neck, trunk, upper limbs, lower limbs, and multiple locations.

The common injuries at the workplace include:

• Sprains
• Fractures
• Bone dislocations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Injuries requiring limb amputations

Spinal injuries are the most common workplace injuries that may occur while operating heavy machines, lifting heavy objects, driving automobiles, or when you suffer a fall at the workplace.

Spinal Injuries at the Work Place

Common spinal injuries that you may suffer at the workplace include:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Fractures
• Dislocation of adjacent bones
• Partial misalignment (subluxation) of adjacent bones
• Disc compression (herniated disc)
• Hematoma (accumulation of blood)
• Partial or complete tears of ligaments

Symptoms of Work Place Injuries

The most common symptom of spinal injuries is a pain. Some injuries may damage spinal nerves that may cause inflammation, loss of muscle control and loss of sensation. Symptoms may proceed to paralysis, limited movement, and immobility.

Diagnosis of Work Place Injuries

Workplace injuries are diagnosed using X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Treatment of Work Place Injuries

Depending on the type and severity of the injury, treatment will be initiated. Regardless of the type of injury, the patient should be provided first aid that includes:

ABC: Airway, breathing, and circulation

Immobilisation of the body part affected to avoid further injury

Shift to hospital and once stabilised, methylprednisolone can be administered (within 8 hours after injury), to reduce swelling and prevent further tissue damage.

Your doctor may recommend rehabilitation that includes physiotherapy to promote complete and faster healing.