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Work-Related Injuries

PAIN CONDITION

Workplace Injury Pain: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief

Every year, over 2 million employees report workplace injuries. Accidents still occur on the job despite stringent regulations, risk assessments and modern safety measures. Some industries pose a higher risk of injury and health issues due to the nature of the work. Occupational injuries are a significant concern for employees across many industries, especially construction, public service, and manufacturing. When incidents occur, effective pain management is essential in treating workplace injuries, supporting recovery, easing pain, and helping patients return to their daily activities and work routines.

About Occupational Injuries

Job-related injuries include any physical harm an employee experiences while performing work duties. Injuries can be inflicted by a single accident or strain and overuse over time. Even in workplaces with strict safety guidelines, unintentional accidents can happen anytime. Heavy lifting, machinery accidents, slips and falls and repetitive motions cause non-fatal injuries.[1] Slips, trips and falls, overexertion and bodily response comprise 75% of occupational injuries.[1]

Risk Factors for Workplace Injuries

Despite all the changes in how work is performed and the many safety advances, workplace accidents still occur every 15 seconds.[2] Although all jobs have an injury risk, particular industries or sectors, such as construction, are significantly more hazardous.[3] Factors like physical demands, machine operation, assembly lines and mental stress can increase the likelihood of an injury.

Here are some of the most common injury causes that seniors experience:

  • Equipment: Jobs use machinery and tools in a multitude of sizes. Injuries can occur from nail guns, drills, presses, hammers and grinders. Accidents happen using heavy equipment like forklifts, loaders, conveyor belts, assembly lines, cranes, and bucket trucks. [4] Machinery like jackhammers and bulldozers that constantly vibrate put workers at injury risk.[2]
  • Collisions and Crashes: Employees from sales reps and in-home nurses to truck drivers and bus operators use work vehicles daily and can experience injuries from an accident.[4]
  • Overexertion: Strain from lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects.[4]
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: Common in many work environments, especially where surfaces are uneven or slippery.[4]
  • Repetitive Motion: Tasks that involve repeating the same motions can cause strain and wear on muscles and tendons.[1]
  • Improper Posture: Poor ergonomics can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain over time, especially in office jobs.[2]
  • Falling Objects: Objects dropped or falling from shelves can cause head, neck, foot or back injuries.[4]
  • Falls or Jumps from Heights: Injuries from falls that involve ladders, scaffolding, pole climbing, shelving systems and jobs that require working at heights (roofing, electricians, linemen, tree trimmers, etc.)
  • Chemical Exposure: Direct contact with toxic chemicals can cause skin irritation, burns, respiratory issues, or other health complications.[4]
  • Environmental Hazards: Poor lighting, clutter, oily or wet floors, electrical hazards and uneven surfaces can increase the chances of injury.[5]
  • Farming or Landscaping Implements: Incidents with tractors, plows, chainsaws, commercial mowers and weed eaters can occur on the job or farm.[6]
  • Burns: Serious burns can occur from chemicals, cooking, welding, torches and hot mechanical surfaces. Firefighters are susceptible to on-the-job burn injuries.
  • Older Workers: Aging employees have a high risk of injuries due to vision and hearing issues, chronic conditions, slower reflexes, lower bone density and reduced strength and dexterity.[7]
  • Fires and Explosions: Jobs that require you to work around fires and explosives can cause burns and injuries. Blast injuries result from pressure, flying debris, structural collapses and heavy objects that can crush. [4]
  • Stress: Workers under stress or duress can affect job performance in hazardous situations, resulting in injuries to themselves or coworkers.[8]

Common Job-Related Injuries

Job-related injuries range widely, from sprains to more severe musculoskeletal conditions. These injuries can disrupt daily routines, causing missed work days and financial issues. Ignoring injuries may cause chronic pain and complications down the road.

Here are the most common injuries that often occur in work accidents:

Fractures

Broken bones often occur from falls, machinery accidents, or high-impact incidents like vehicle collisions. Broken bones in the hands, arms, legs, and ribs are especially prevalent in construction, manufacturing, and transportation roles.[9] Some fractures and breaks require immobilization or surgery and can benefit from pain management techniques.

Common fractures include:
  • Arm, shoulder or wrist
  • Leg (femur, fibula and tibia)
  • Ankles, feet or toes
  • Hands, fingers or wrist
  • Back (spinal fracture)
  • Tailbone (coccyx)
  • Ribs or breastbone (thorax)
  • Collarbone (clavicle)
  • Facial fractures
  • Spinal fractures

Sprains and Strains

Strains and sprains often result from overexertion or improper lifting techniques, especially in physically demanding jobs like healthcare, construction, factories and warehouses.[9] These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, commonly impacting areas like the wrists, shoulders, and knees. Repeated strain can lead to chronic conditions that worsen if not adequately treated.

Common strains and sprains include:
  • Shoulder strains from lifting
  • Ankle sprains from slips and falls
  • Wrist sprains from repetitive movements
  • Knee strains from squatting or kneeling
  • Jammed fingers (finger sprains)
  • Thumb sprains

Neck and Back Injuries

Neck and back injuries can stem from sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or poor ergonomics in jobs with repetitive tasks. Construction, logistics, and office jobs are susceptible to these injuries, ranging from muscle strains to herniated discs, often causing work absences due to long-term pain and reduced mobility.

Common neck and back injuries include:
  • Whiplash from sudden impacts
  • Herniated or slipped discs
  • Lower back strains
  • Thoracic (mid-back) spine injuries
  • Lumbar (lower back) strains or sprains
  • Pinched nerves (radiculopathy)
  • Facet joint injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Sciatica
  • Herniated or slipped discs
  • Chronic back pain from poor posture[2]

Head Injuries

Head injuries are a risk in roles involving elevated work, heavy machinery, or exposure to falling objects. Common in construction, public safety, and warehousing, these injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive functions and may require extended pain management and rehabilitation.[9]

Common head injuries include:
  • Concussions from falls or impacts
  • Skull fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Lacerations or scalp wounds
  • Contusion (bruising or bleeding)

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons and are common in occupations requiring repetitive motion, like assembly lines or office work.[1] Workers who perform repetitive tasks are at risk for injury that can lead to chronic pain if left untreated.

Common soft tissue injuries include:
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome [4]
  • Tendonitis in wrists or elbows
  • Muscle strains in shoulders and arms
  • Ligament tears from sudden twists or strains
  • Eye injuries [10]

Dislocations

Dislocations happen when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint, often due to falls, sudden impacts, or improper lifting.[11] These injuries are common in physically demanding jobs, including construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, where repetitive lifting, bending, or sudden trauma can stress the joints.

Common types of dislocations:
  • Shoulder dislocations from lifting or pulling
  • Finger dislocations from handling machinery or tools
  • Knee dislocations from falls or sudden twists
  • Elbow dislocations from reaching or overextension

Violence and Animal Encounters

Workers in fields like healthcare, public safety, retail, farming, and veterinary services may face injury risks from violent encounters with individuals or animals.[9] These injuries are caused by physical confrontations or interactions that may lead to serious bodily harm. Injuries from violence or animal encounters often require immediate attention to prevent complications such as infection or chronic pain.

Common wounds caused by physical encounters:
  • Bruises and contusions from assaults
  • Fractures from aggressive encounters
  • Head trauma from blows or falls
  • Lacerations from sharp objects
  • Bites from animals
  • Kicks causing bruising or fractures
  • Crush injuries from larger animals

Burns and Wounds

Burns can result from exposure to chemicals, electrical accidents, fires, explosions or hot surfaces in manufacturing, healthcare, and food service fields.[9] Cuts and lacerations are often seen in industries with sharp tools or equipment. These injuries range from superficial to severe, with potential long-term complications like nerve damage.

Common types of wounds:
  • Cuts and lacerations [4]
  • Punctures [4]
  • Avulsion (removal of skin and tissue) [12]
  • Chemical burns from toxic substances [4]
  • Electrical burns from power sources
  • Scalds from hot liquids or steam

Motorized Vehicle-Related Incidents

Employees in roles involving driving or operating with heavy machinery, such as truck drivers, emergency responders, and manufacturing or construction workers, face significant risks of injury.[4] Roadway accidents involving vehicles or machinery can result in serious harm, from fractures and head trauma to crushing injuries.[10] These incidents often require immediate and extensive medical care to address both physical damage and long-term complications.

Common operational accident injuries:
  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Spinal fractures or disc injuries
  • Head trauma from impacts
  • Broken limbs and ribs
  • Crush injuries to hands, feet, or limbs
  • Amputations of fingers, toes or limbs [4]
  • Lacerations from sharp machine parts
  • Musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting

Electrocution and Electrical Injuries

Electricians, construction workers, and utility employees face risks of electrocution or electrical burns, which can cause nerve damage, pain, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases.[1] These injuries may result in long-term health issues like chronic pain or impaired mobility.

Common electrical injuries:
  • Nerve damage from electric shocks
  • Burns from electrical contact
  • Muscle spasms due to current exposure
  • Cardiac complications from severe electrocution

Symptoms of a Workplace Injury

Depending on the type of accident and injury you sustained, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

Acute Symptoms for Occupational Injuries

  • Sharp, immediate pain
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • Limited range of motion or inability to move the affected area
  • Visible deformity (e.g., fractures)
  • Inability to bear weight on a limb
  • Immediate stiffness or muscle spasms
  • Numbness or tingling in the affected area
  • Dizziness or confusion, particularly after head injuries
  • Bleeding or oozing from cuts or wounds
  • Sore to touch in the injured area [4]

Chronic Symptoms Due to Job-Related Injuries

  • Persistent or recurring pain after healing
  • Ongoing swelling or inflammation
  • Stiffness or reduced flexibility
  • Weakness in the affected area
  • Difficulty performing daily activities
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs (neuropathy)
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue and general discomfort
  • Cognitive issues, including difficulty concentrating or memory problems

Recovery and Pain Management for Work-Related Injuries

Working for an employer that considers workplace safety is an ideal way to stay safe and reduce the risk of injury accidents. Routinely wearing protective gear also offers employees additional safeguards against occupational injuries. Not all on-the-job injuries are avoidable, but seeking proper treatment from a pain management specialist helps to improve recovery outcomes.

Pain management for work-related injuries focuses on alleviating discomfort to allow patients to participate in physical and occupational therapies for a more effective recovery process. Effective pain management plans may also include medication, interventional procedures and alternative therapies. By prioritizing recovery through effective pain management strategies, employees can return to their daily lives and work quickly, minimizing the risk of long-lasting pain and ensuring a healthier future.

Resources:

  1. Top work-related injury causes – Injury Facts. National Safety Council [Internet]. Published 2018. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/
  2. Abdalla S, Apramian SS, Cantley LF, Cullen MR. Occupation and Risk for Injuries. Injury Prevention and Environmental Health. 3rd edition. Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank; 2017 Oct 27. Chapter 6. doi: 10.1596/978-1-4648-0522-6_ch6. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525209/
  3. Dong XS, Wang X, Largay JA. Occupational and non-occupational factors associated with work-related injuries among construction workers in the USA. Int J Occup Environ Health [Internet]. 2015;21(2):142-50. doi: 10.1179/2049396714Y.0000000107. PMID: 25816923; PMCID: PMC4457123. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4457123/
  4. Work Injuries and Illnesses by Age – Injury Facts. National Safety Council [Internet]. Published February 26, 2024. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from:https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/industry-incidence-rates/work-injuries-and-illnesses-by-age/
  5. Occupational injuries. World Health Organization [Internet]. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/tools/occupational-hazards-in-health-sector/occupational-injuries
  6. Brown, Jeff. Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses 2021-2022. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Published 2023. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
  7. Fraade-Blanar LA, Sears JM, Chan KCG, Thompson HJ, Crane PK, Ebel BE. Relating Older Workers’ Injuries to the Mismatch Between Physical Ability and Job Demands. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine [Internet]. 2017;59(2):212-221. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0000000000000941 Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5302493/#
  8. Reddon T. 8 Common Causes of Workplace Accidents. Reliable Plant [Internet]. Published February 18, 2016. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://www.reliableplant.com/Read/30411/workplace-accidents-causes
  9. Most Dangerous Industries – Injury Facts. National Safety Council [Internet]. Published December 21, 2023. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/industry-incidence-rates/most-dangerous-industries/#
  10. Parasram V. Severe Work-Related Injuries in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry — 32 Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Jurisdictions, United States, January 2015–July 2022. CDC MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report [Internet]. 2024;73. doi:https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7305a3 Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7305a3.htm
  11. Dislocation. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Published 2018. Accessed October 27, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17873-dislocation
  12. What to Do if You Lose a Chunk of Your Body. Verywell Health [Internet]. Accessed October 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-treat-an-avulsion-1298913
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