Workplace injuries come in different forms and severities. While some of these injuries heal on their own without requiring medical attention, others can have far-reaching consequences for the victim’s life and well-being. One such injury is amputation.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 27 workers suffer injuries that result in amputations each day. Of course, certain occupations like manufacturing and construction are at a greater risk than others.
Types of amputation you may suffer at work include:
- Disarticulation of the shoulder, hip or ankle
- Partial amputation of the hand or foot
- Above or below-knee amputation
Here are three common causes of amputations at work
Moving machines
Workers in the manufacturing and construction industries are at a greater risk of machine-related amputations. Machines like conveyors, forklifts, compactors and grinders can cause mutilation or amputation when they trap a worker. High-risk areas for such machinery usually include points of operation, power-transmitting parts or other moving parts.
Falling from heights
Scaffolds and ladders definitely make work easier for industrial, warehouse and construction workers. However, these tools also pose serious threats to workers in the event of slip-and-fall accidents. When a worker falls from a ladder or a scaffold onto a sharp object, they may sustain traumatic fractures or cuts that may necessitate amputation of the affected limb.
Workers can also sustain serious injuries, including loss of limbs if they are hit by heavy or sharp objects that fall on them.
Improper gear and inadequate training
Wearing the right safety gear and providing proper training can go a long way in protecting workers from most injuries. Lack of proper safety gear, on the other hand, leaves workers exposed to workplace hazards while lack of training leaves them vulnerable when operating dangerous machinery.
Adjusting to life after losing a limb can be overwhelming, especially if you are no longer able to work. Knowing your legal options can help you pursue the compensation you deserve following such catastrophic workplace injuries.