Working in a warehouse is inherently dangerous due to the nature of the job, which often involves heavy lifting, operating machinery, and navigating through crowded spaces. Warehouse environments can be fraught with hazards such as slippery floors, falling objects, and malfunctioning equipment. These risks can lead to serious accidents, resulting in severe injuries like fractures, spinal damage, or even traumatic brain injuries.
In this article, we’ll go over some of these common injuries that warehouse workers may face. If you are employed in a warehouse setting, it’s important to review this information and seek legal assistance with your workers’ compensation claim.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur due to various on-the-job hazards found in a warehouse. One common cause is falling objects, which can result from improperly stacked inventory or unsecured loads. When heavy items fall from shelves or pallets, they can strike workers on the head, leading to severe brain trauma. Additionally, slips, trips, and falls are prevalent in warehouses, often caused by wet or cluttered floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting. These incidents can cause workers to hit their heads on the ground or against hard surfaces, potentially resulting in concussions or more severe TBIs.
Another significant risk factor for TBIs in warehouse settings is the operation of machinery and equipment. Forklifts, conveyor belts, and other heavy machinery present constant danger if not used correctly or if safety measures are neglected. Workers can suffer head injuries from collisions, falls from height when operating lift equipment, or entanglements with moving parts. The high-energy environment and fast-paced nature of warehouse work can also lead to lapses in safety protocols, increasing the likelihood of accidents that can cause traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries among warehouse workers often result from accidents involving heavy lifting and improper ergonomics. Warehouse employees frequently handle bulky and heavy items, and if they lift or carry these loads incorrectly, they risk severe spinal injuries. Overexertion and repetitive strain can lead to herniated discs, spinal fractures, or other debilitating conditions.
Slips and falls are also common in warehouse settings due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or misplaced items. When a worker falls, the impact on their back can cause significant spinal damage, sometimes resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Fracture Injuries
Fracture injuries are a common hazard for warehouse workers due to the physical nature of their tasks and the environment they work in. Handling heavy materials and equipment often puts workers at risk of dropping items, which can land on their hands or feet, causing fractures.
Additionally, the frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of heavy objects can lead to accidents where bones are broken due to the sheer force or weight involved. Slips, trips, and falls on wet or cluttered floors are also frequent in warehouse settings, and these incidents can result in broken bones if a worker lands awkwardly or falls from a significant height.
Lacerations & Cutting Injuries
Lacerations and cutting injuries are common among warehouse workers due to the frequent handling of sharp tools and materials. Many warehouse tasks involve the use of box cutters, knives, and other sharp instruments to open packaging or cut materials, posing a significant risk if not handled properly.
Accidental slips while using these tools can result in deep cuts and severe lacerations. Additionally, the packaging materials themselves, such as metal strapping, plastic bands, and sharp-edged containers, can cause cuts when workers come into contact with them during routine tasks. Without proper protective gear and careful handling, these everyday activities can easily lead to injuries.
Do You Need Help with Workers’ Compensation?
If you suffered from any of these common warehouse work injuries, or any other workplace injury, you needed dedicated legal assistance on your side. We at Smolich and Smolich can provide the services and advice you need to move forward with your workers’ compensation claim. We can also help you address any bumps along the road, such as an unfair denial of benefits or unexpected delays.
For more information, contact Smolich and Smolich now to request a free initial consultation.