Each June, during National Safety Month, organizations around the country focus on raising awareness on how to keep people safe. But as we spend over a third of our lifetime at work and encounter a surprising amount of risks there, it makes sense to think about workplace safety all year round. That’s because injuries at work don’t just happen on construction sites. We face work-related injury risks every day from eye strain to ergonomic injuries. In fact, statistics show approximately 2.6 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries happen every year.

Can you avoid or prevent workplace injuries? With the right preparation and information, many times the answer is yes. Town Center Orthopaedics explains what you can do to help reduce the risk of one happening to you.

The Most Common Musculoskeletal Workplace Injuries & How To Prevent Them

The leading safety risks you can be exposed to at work include:

1. Slips and falls
2. Ergonomic injuries

These result from repetitive or awkward movements over an extended period of time that put stress on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Common ergonomic injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder
• Epicondylitis, an inflammation of the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the elbow
• Trigger finger, an inflammation of the tendons in the finger that cause the joint to lock or get stuck
• Muscle strains and low back injuries

Being aware of the dangers of these leading safety risks is the first step toward lessening their impact—or even preventing them altogether.

To reduce the chance of slips and falls:

• Keep clutter at a minimum
• Clean up spills and dry wet floors
• Tame cords and don’t stretch them across walkways
• Stay on top of exterior surfaces when it rains or snows

To help prevent ergonomic injuries:

• Use chairs, desks, and keyboards at workstations that can be adjusted for comfort and to support personal work styles, especially when performing computer-related tasks
• Take breaks and move around throughout the day
• Redesign workstations and provide adjustable furniture to accommodate workers of different sizes and shapes
• Use equipment such as carts and hoists to reduce the need for lifting
• Use tools that promote comfortable hand and wrist positions and have no sharp edges

Workplace Injury Prevention Takes an Ongoing Commitment to Safety

Companies that are serious about workplace safety often offer employee training, establish procedures, and provide equipment to help reduce injury, such as:

• Instruction on safe lifting techniques and training in body mechanics to reduce strain injuries
• Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, respirators, fall protection, and more
• Offering first aid training so that more employees can offer aid quickly in the event of an injury

What if a Workplace Injury Happens to You?

Despite the best care and attention, workplace accidents happen. Fortunately, as a Virginia resident, if you suffer a work-related injury, you may be eligible for benefits under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act that can cover your medical costs.

Town Center Orthopaedics in Ashburn, Centreville, Fairfax, and Reston participates in workers’ compensation insurance in Virginia. So if you experience sprains, broken bones, back or neck issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other musculoskeletal traumas from strains, overuse, or an injury at work, we can help. Our specialists are among the leading orthopedic experts in Virginia and will get you back to your health and ultimate functionality fast.

To schedule your evaluation with a doctor to discuss your workplace injury symptoms, call us at Town Center Orthopaedics anytime at (571) 250-5660 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you soon.