Employment in the manufacturing sector can be accessible for many people. It offers competitive wages even for those with marginal education. Individuals may earn enough to support themselves and their families if they obtain a job at a factory or similar facility.
One of the reasons that manufacturing work comes with relatively competitive wages is its association with increased injury risks. Manufacturing professionals can end up hurt on the job and unable to continue working because of the injuries that they sustain at work.
The risk factors present at a manufacturing facility depend on the nature of the company. For example, those helping manufacture vehicle components have different risks than those working with lumber. However, there are certain injury risks that exist across the manufacturing sector. What are the biggest risks for employees working in factories?
1. Overexertion injuries
It is relatively common for workers in the manufacturing sector to lift too much and injure themselves as a result. Sprains, strains and similar injuries are the top-reported cause of lost-time incidents and compensation requests in the manufacturing sector. Even those who have worked in the same position for years can injure themselves by turning abruptly or lifting too much at once.
2. Repetitive strain injuries
Chronic pain that affects job performance is the second leading cause of injury reports in the manufacturing sector. Many of those cases relate to repetitive strain injuries.
Workers face slowly growing levels of pain because of their repetitive job functions. They may develop carpal tunnel syndrome from constantly gripping tools. They could develop pain in their backs, hips or knees from standing, lifting and twisting. Pain may interfere with job functions and make medical care necessary.
3. Broken bones
There are multiple ways for factory workers to sustain fractures. They could come into contact with heavy equipment or experience a slip-and-fall on the factory floor. Either of those scenarios could potentially lead to broken bones that require time away from work and medical intervention.
Regardless of how a factory employee sustains injuries on the job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Coverage can help workers replace the lost wages during a leave of absence. The medical coverage available through workers’ compensation can fully cover the cost of necessary care.
Manufacturing employees worried about the cost of an on-the-job injury may need to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Those who are aware of the common injuries associated with their professions may have an easier time avoiding injuries or may respond more effectively after getting hurt.