Manufacturing and assembly line work are the backbone of Ohio’s economy. Creating or assembling products here not only creates jobs for our state but also instills a sense of accomplishment and pride among Ohio workers.
However, both manufacturing work and assembly line work have one big drawback: the potential for injuries. The injuries associated with these occupations can range from catastrophic injuries caused by accidents to slow-developing injuries that take months, years or even decades to become apparent.
If you have been injured while working in the manufacturing industry, you could be entitled to benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. Here is what you need to know about the five most common injuries in these jobs and what to do if you are impacted.
1. Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are among the most common afflictions facing assembly line and factory workers due to the nature of their work, which often involves repetitive motions over extended periods. These conditions—resulting from overuse of specific muscle groups or joints—manifest as pain, swelling, or even disability in severe cases. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. Implementing ergonomic tools and workstations, along with adequate rest periods and exercises, can help prevent these injuries.
2. Hearing Loss
Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise, which is common in factories with heavy machinery, can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. This condition, known as noise-induced hearing loss, can significantly impact a worker’s quality of life. Employers are required to provide hearing protection devices, such as earplugs or earmuffs, and to implement noise control measures at the source to mitigate this risk.
3. Musculoskeletal Injuries
These injuries encompass a wide range of issues affecting the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones, commonly resulting from manual handling tasks like lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects. Improper body mechanics or working in awkward positions can also lead to strains, sprains, and chronic back problems. Ergonomic assessments and training in proper lifting techniques, alongside mechanical lifting aids, can reduce the incidence of these injuries.
4. Cuts and Lacerations
The use of sharp tools, machinery, and materials in manufacturing processes can easily lead to cuts and lacerations. Such injuries can vary in severity from minor cuts requiring basic first aid to deep wounds necessitating professional medical treatment. Ensuring that workers are equipped with appropriate protective gloves and implementing safety guards on machinery are essential steps to help prevent these types of injuries.
5. Chemical Burns and Exposure
Factories often use various chemicals in their processes, some of which can be hazardous upon contact or inhalation. Workers may suffer from burns, skin irritation or respiratory problems due to accidental exposure to these chemicals. Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, along with proper training in handling chemicals and other hazardous substances, is critical for preventing such injuries.
Risk Factors in Factory and Assembly Line Work
While factory and assembly line jobs are essential to the economy, the very nature of the work increases the likelihood of injury. One of the most significant risk factors is repetition. Performing the same motion thousands of times per shift can strain muscles, tendons, and joints, often leading to chronic pain and repetitive stress injuries. Fatigue is another concern, as long hours or mandatory overtime reduce a worker’s ability to stay alert and careful. A tired worker may miss warning signs or make mistakes when operating heavy machinery.
Environmental conditions also play a role. Poor lighting, extreme temperatures, and slippery floors can all contribute to accidents. Likewise, improperly maintained equipment or missing machine guards expose workers to preventable hazards. The design of the workspace itself matters: cramped stations or awkwardly placed tools force workers into unsafe postures. Finally, inadequate training and supervision compound these risks, leaving employees unprepared to handle emergencies or recognize warning signs of injury. Together, these factors create an environment where even small oversights can lead to serious harm.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured at Work?
If you get injured while working your manufacturing or assembly line job, you can take steps to protect your health and rights to compensation:
- Seek immediate medical attention. First, take care of your injury. If it seems minor, use on-site first aid. For anything more serious, do not hesitate to get professional medical help or call emergency services if needed.
- Report the injury. As soon as you can, let your supervisor or safety officer know about your injury—an essential step both for your safety and for documenting the incident. This is necessary if you plan to file a claim later.
- Document everything. Write down everything about the incident, including how, when, and where it happened. Taking down the names of any witnesses is also important. This information is crucial, especially if you decide to file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Follow your company’s injury reporting process. Your workplace likely has an official procedure for handling injuries, which may include filling out specific forms. Make sure to follow these steps carefully.
- File for workers’ compensation if needed. If your injury requires medical treatment beyond first aid, or is expected to keep you out of work for at least seven days, look into filing a workers’ compensation claim. This can help cover your medical expenses and part of your lost wages.
- Adhere to medical advice and rehab. Follow all medical recommendations to ensure a good recovery. This might include follow-up appointments with a doctor or rehabilitation exercises. If you are returning to work, you might need to perform modified duties temporarily.
- Contact an experienced lawyer. Navigating the workers’ compensation application process can be difficult, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injury. An experienced law firm can handle the process for you while you focus on getting better. A lawyer can even help you appeal if your claim was initially denied.
Return-to-Work and Modified Duties
Recovering from a workplace injury does not always mean a worker can immediately resume their full responsibilities. Many employees return under “modified duty,” which allows them to ease back into their role without jeopardizing their health. Modified duties may include lighter physical tasks or assignments that avoid repetitive motions. This transitional period helps factory workers maintain their source of income while reducing the risk of aggravating their injuries.
Employers are often required to provide reasonable accommodations during this stage. For example, a worker with a back injury might be excused from heavy lifting, or someone recovering from repetitive strain may rotate tasks more frequently. Clear documentation of these restrictions ensures the worker’s needs are respected.
Return-to-work programs benefit both sides. Employees regain confidence, maintain financial stability, and remain connected to their workplace. Employers, in turn, reduce turnover and training costs while demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety. A thoughtful approach to modified duties can prevent reinjury and support long-term recovery.
Compensation for Injured Workers
When an assembly line or factory worker is injured, compensation is intended to ease the financial and personal impact of the accident. Most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation, which provides coverage for necessary medical care. This includes everything from visits with approved doctors to physical therapy. In addition, compensation often replaces a portion of lost wages for the time a worker is unable to perform their job.
Depending on the severity of the injury, benefits may also address long-term consequences. Temporary disability benefits cover time away from work during recovery, while permanent disability benefits provide support when an injury leads to lasting limitations. In cases where the injury prevents a return to the same type of work, vocational rehabilitation services may help the worker retrain for a new role.
Unfortunately, obtaining fair compensation is not always straightforward. Employers or insurers may dispute claims and demand that a worker return to the job before they are read. For this reason, relying on the support and guidance of experienced legal counsel is crucial.
Our Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Are Ready to Help
You work hard to contribute to your family’s livelihood and Ohio’s economy, but you were injured on the job. Now, it’s time for the state’s workers’ compensation system to take care of you. Unfortunately, that’s often easier said than done, especially when you go it alone.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our Ohio workers’ compensation attorneys have the experience and skill you need to get the benefits you deserve. There’s no need to worry about any upfront fees or invoices—our No Fee Guarantee® means we only get paid if you get paid.
Contact us anytime for a free consultation.
Revised October 9, 2025
