5 Common Injuries Among Assembly Line and Factory Workers

Manufacturing and assembly line work are the backbone of many state economies, including Ohio’s. Whether it’s for products that are created or assembled here, playing a major part in their production not only creates jobs for our state, but it also imbues workers with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

However, both manufacturing and assembly line work have one big drawback: the potential for injuries. The injuries associated with these occupations can range from catastrophic injuries in accidents to slow-developing injuries that take months, years, or even decades to become apparent.

If you work in manufacturing or on an assembly line and suffered an on-the-job injury, here’s what you need to know about the five most common injuries in these jobs, and what to do if you’re 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 result from overuse of specific muscle groups or joints and 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 in preventing 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 in preventing 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.

What Should I Do If I’m Injured at Work?

If you get injured while working your manufacturing or assembly line job, here’s what you should do 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, don’t 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. It’s important for your safety and for documenting the incident. This is a necessary step if you plan to file a claim later, without which your case may be denied.
• Document Everything: Write down everything about the incident—how, when, and where it happened, and the names of any witnesses. 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 a 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're 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.

Our Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Are Ready to Help

You work hard to contribute to your family’s livelihoods 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. Contact us anytime for a free consultation, and don’t worry about any upfront fees or invoices. We only get paid if you get paid—that’s our No Fee Guarantee®.

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