Millions of people work in warehouses maintaining the distribution of goods. These jobs are often well-paid and can support a household. While this kind of job may give people a living wage, it often comes with some drawbacks.
Warehouse workers are highly susceptible to workplace injuries. Here are a few injuries workers may face in the warehouse:
1. Chemical spills
Many shipments contain hazardous materials. These shipments should be labeled so that they’re handled with care according to all safety regulations. When handled improperly, workers could suffer serious damage. Liquid chemicals could cause skin damage upon exposure while breathing in certain chemicals could cause lung and internal damage.
2. Falling shipments
Containers may be improperly secured during shipment. As a result, they may move against the back of the truck. When workers open the shipping trucks, these shipments may fall on top of workers, which could cause them to suffer blunt force trauma. This is just one example of how a warehouse worker may suffer injuries from a falling shipment.
3. Forklift injuries
Forklifts can be just as dangerous as other motor vehicle accidents. For instance, a forklift operator could collide with another forklift and cause injuries such as concussions or injured limbs. The prongs on the forklifts used to lift shipments are sharp and could impale workers if used improperly.
4. Overexertion
Many warehouse workers have to exert some energy lifting heavy packages. Without the right lifting technique, workers may overexert themselves. Overexertion can cause severe back pain and sprains in the arms and shoulders.
5. Heatstroke
Warehouse workers should be constantly hydrated on the job. However, many workers don’t have the time to take water breaks and warehouses don’t provide enough cooling for workers. As a result, workers could experience dizziness and nausea as a result of heatstroke. Severe heat stroke can cause workers to lose consciousness.
If you’ve suffered an injury while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp can provide injured workers with compensation, medical coverage and time to recover. Learning more about your legal options when applying for workers’ compensation can help you maximize your benefits as you heal.
