Fighting For
Employee And Union Rights
Fighting For
Employee And Union Rights

3 office injuries that could keep you from working

On Behalf of | Sep 19, 2022 | Workers' Compensation

An office can be a far safer work environment than places like a construction site or factory, but workers can still suffer job-related injuries. If you work in an office, some common injuries you might experience can keep you from working.

Falling accidents

As reported in this article on office injuries, falls are the most common accidents workers suffer on the job. The article also notes that office workers are over two times more likely to suffer disabling injuries in a work-related fall than non-office workers.

If you work in an office, you could get hurt:

  • Tripping over boxes or open drawers
  • Falling off a chair or ladder you are standing on
  • Slipping on a wet floor

Falling injuries can lead to brain injuries, back pain and broken bones.

Repetitive stress injuries

Doing the same thing all day may not seem that exciting or dangerous, but the truth is that it can cause serious, painful injuries. Common causes of these injuries are:

  • Performing the same task for long periods, like typing
  • Staying in one position, particularly if that position is uncomfortable or abnormal
  • Moving in the same way all day, like turning and lifting heavy objects

While numerous types of ergonomic equipment can help minimize the risk of repetitive stress injuries, they can and do still happen.

Exposure to harmful substances

There is a range of potentially dangerous substances, chemicals and organisms that you could be exposed to in an office setting. Depending on where you work and what your role is, you could be at risk of coming into contact with:

  • Asbestos
  • Polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs)
  • Chemical irritants
  • Hazardous waste
  • Contagious illnesses, including COVID-19

Harmful substances and chemicals can cause serious illnesses, rashes and other ailments. In some cases, these are severe or even fatal.

What to do if these keep you from working

If you develop these or other illnesses and injuries as a result of working in your office, you may be unable to work. Under these circumstances, workers’ compensation benefits can provide tremendous relief. 

As such, you would be wise to report an accident or illness to your employer immediately so they can report it to the insurance company. You can also work with an attorney if you have concerns about a wrongful denial of benefits or other issues with receiving compensation.

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