Becoming injured at work is something that is still quite common, unfortunately, even though the last few decades have recorded the development and introduction of many different regulations and industry-specific policies in order to ensure employees are safe and secure. The exact type of health damage you can deal with will naturally depend on the sector in which you operate. While some injuries are mild and require minimal attention from a physician, there are also some that can be potentially life-threatening. The first and most important thing is to get medical attention and treatment right away, even if the injuries are not significant.
Getting a thorough assessment can rule out the existence of more severe damage that can remain asymptomatic until things become much worse. For example, internal bleeding might not be diagnosed until you start feeling unable to breathe properly, feel weak, dizzy, and faint. Apart from that, if the health damage was the result of your employer or manager who failed to provide you with the adequate standard of occupational safety, you can obtain compensation for any injury by getting in touch with No Win No Fee Solicitors Co office in London. They can handle the particulars of your case and help you get the maximum amount of remuneration that you deserve. Having a professional on your side helps with assembling the proof (including medical records and eyewitness statements) and can also provide all the guidance you need to ensure you get the maximum amount you are owed.
Slips, trips, and falls
Slipping, tripping, and falling is without a doubt the most frequent type of workplace accident precisely because it can happen in any environment. You could slip on ice in front of the office or on spilled liquids inside. You can even injure yourself by slipping and falling on a floor that has just been cleaned. Most of these injuries are typically not an issue, and it’s more about feeling embarrassed and awkward in their aftermath than dealing with serious health consequences. However, there are some instances in which they can be dangerous.
Hitting your neck or head is the most common scenario in this case, since these areas are vulnerable to injury. Brain damage is a serious concern, and all injuries to the nervous system carry a risk of turning into lifelong disabilities. Surgery and long-term treatments are also common among patients, with recovery times naturally lasting longer as well. If you’re dealing with issues such as low bone density and are prone to fractures, you could end up breaking a bone after falling. Some fractures are incredibly thin, but they still cause considerable discomfort and can cause you to postpone important activities.
The best way to prevent these injuries is to be mindful of your surroundings. However, it is also important for the areas that see foot traffic to be free from obstacles. Papers, boxes, and cables shouldn’t be strewn all over the floor. If some areas were recently mopped, there should be signs that inform you of that fact, and if someone spills something, they should clean it right away.
Harmful substances and environments
If you work in an area where you could be exposed to chemicals, toxic fumes, and other noxious substances, you should always be wearing adequate protective equipment. It might not seem like a big deal if it happens just once or twice, but the truth is that most of these substances are corrosive, and the health damage they cause is typically the result of continuous exposure over a long period of years. Dealing with fumes typically occurs in manufacturing or laboratory environments, but can also take place on construction sites and power plants.
The most common issues are skin, eye, and nose irritation. Coughing, tearing up, and redness are unpleasant but they are generally only the acute phase of exposure. If the same thing occurs over a longer time you can end up dealing with chronic respiratory problems, liver or kidney failure, and neurological issues. Higher exposure, the duration and frequency, as well as the route and individual susceptibility can all influence how your body reacts to a certain substance, which is why it is better to protect yourself completely by following safety guidelines (such as proper waste disposal and safe work practices), use adequate ventilation, wear the protective gear, and seek medical attention immediately if you have any symptoms.
Unhealthy and hostile corporate cultures
As mental health becomes more important for people and the harms of an unhealthy environment on the psyche are recognised, for the harm they can cause, toxic workplace environments in which negativity, lack of support, and even fear and bullying are the norm have been called out as well. These workplaces can look in many different ways, but they are generally characterised by high turnover rates, a lack of work-life balance, burnout, and micromanagement. Communication and transparency will typically be lacking, creating an atmosphere of distrust, while the management is quite likely to be authoritarian and unsympathetic.
The growth opportunities are limited and can even be entirely non-existent, while stress levels become sky-high. You will most likely notice that your productivity rates and creativity hit rock bottom, you don’t feel like engaging and feel altogether demoralised. The best way to approach this situation is to seek professional help from a therapist and to have a strong support group of family and friends around you. If the situation is severe and you’d want to sue for emotional damage you should keep a record of all the unpleasant and upsetting incidents and interactions you had to deal with.
Repetitive strain injuries, falling from heights, being struck by moving objects, hurting your back by lifting something heavy, and being abused, threatened, or assaulted are some of the other issues employees still deal with. If you were the victim of any such occurrence you should know that you are not alone and that there are several things you should do in order to get your life back on track. Seeking medical and legal assistance is of paramount importance and will help you regain your sense of empowerment.
