Give Me A Hand: Three Common Hand Injuries In American Workplaces And What To Do If You Injure Your Hand On The Job
It goes without saying that in many workplaces in Decatur and across the United States, the ability to use one’s hands is critical. From cooks in an industrial kitchen to doctors in the emergency room, the hands and fingers are an important tool for many workers in their everyday jobs. However, just like any important tool that is used constantly throughout the day, hands are subject to harm and injury, and most workplaces present hazards to hands that can result in serious and even permanent injury. For these reasons, Decatur workers should be aware of common hand injuries that occur on the job. Three common hand injuries that occur in the workplace are strains and sprains, fractures, and burns.
Top Hand Injury #1: Strains and Sprains of the Hands
A sprain of the hand occurs when the ligaments of the hand are overstretched or are torn. One way that sprains can occur in the workplace is when a worker slips and falls or trips, and they use their hands to catch themselves, or otherwise fall with their weight on their hands. Workplaces that present this hazard include slippery restaurant kitchens, where there may be grease buildup or liquids on the floor. Retail and other high-traffic workspaces where mud, rainwater, and other slippery materials can be tracked on the ground also present a hazard for sprains. A strain of the hand occurs when the muscles or tendons in the hand are torn. Causes of strains include falling, as well as over-twisting the hand.
Top Hand Injury #2: Fractures
A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures of the hands can happen in many different ways in the workplace. Slips and falls, falling objects, and crushing of the hands all can contribute to a serious hand fracture injury. Construction workers, for example, encounter many hazards on the job that might contribute to a hand fracture, such as using heavy tools and machinery, working on job sites with heights, and falling on uneven and potentially slick surfaces.
Top Hand Injury #3: Burns
Many people may be surprised to learn that burns are a contributor to hand injuries on the job. However, jobs that involve high temperatures, such as in construction, manufacturing, and restaurants all involve the potential for serious and disabling hand burn injuries.
Decatur Hand and Elbow Injury Lawyer
A debilitating hand injury can happen to anyone. Fortunately, most workers who are injured in Decatur are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, such as wage replacement, medical costs, and other benefits to help them while they are injured and to get them back to work. If you have been injured on the job in Decatur, it’s best to speak with an experienced Decatur hand and elbow injury lawyer. The experienced Decatur hand and elbow injury lawyers at O’Connell Law Firm offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your workplace hand injury and to see if they can help. Contact the experienced Decatur hand and elbow injury lawyers at O’Connell Law Firm today and learn about your entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits in Decatur for free.
