Many Maryland workers may know that falls and the overextension of muscles are some of the most common causes of injuries in the workplace. With how common these incidents are, it is no wonder that they are also some of the leading causes of back injuries.
In previous blog posts, we have discussed how much a back injury can affect a worker’s life. Even so, it bears repeating that these injuries pose a serious risk all across the workforce.
These injuries are far too common in many industries
In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that back injuries were the most common injury that kept workers out of work for several days. There were 136,190 injuries across all industries out of the total 888,220 injuries recorded.
In turn, there are several workers that face a high risk of suffering a back injury because of their job requirements, from healthcare workers to grocery and retail workers, or baggage handlers to janitors.
These injuries are all too common, but workers must be careful. They can often be much more severe than they think.
Beware of pain – it could be a sign of a more serious injury
In many cases, workers know right away that they suffered a back injury. They feel a twinge, or they cannot move.
However, it is critical to note that some symptoms of back injuries can be delayed – especially if they are the result of a motor vehicle accident. Therefore, workers must not overlook any back pain, as it could be a sign of a much more serious injury to the back or spinal cord.
Workers should be careful to look out for serious symptoms, including:
- Constant pain
- Swelling or bruising
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
If workers suffer a back injury at work, they should always seek medical attention as soon as possible. However, workers should also obtain treatment if they experience any of these symptoms after a workplace accident. Additionally, the worker should report the injury to their supervisor, immediately.
Back injuries often have long-term effects, whether that is a long recovery time or dealing with chronic pain. Regardless, it can have a serious impact on a worker’s ability to move, work and fulfill the duties of their job. That is why it is critical for injured workers to seek compensation, so they can avoid financial stress while they heal.
