According to the BLS, there were 888,220 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019. Hand injuries account for a significant number of these workplace injuries.

Workplaces with fast-moving machines and/or sharp edges pose the greatest danger to workers’ hands. If you’re an employer, it’s your responsibility to maintain a safe environment for your employees.

However, you don’t have to be an employer to stay safe.

Here’s our guide to the most common hand injuries in the workplace and how to stay protected. Keep reading to learn more.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common types of workplace injuries when employees have to engage in strenuous physical labor. Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched or torn beyond its normal range of motion.

Strains are when a muscle is stretched or torn and can involve any muscle that has been overworked. Symptoms of both sprains and strains include tenderness, pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.

Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes are some of the most common hand injuries sustained in the workplace. Many jobs require the use of sharp materials, making cuts and scrapes unavoidable.

While some cuts may be minor, deeper cuts may require medical attention. Symptoms of significant cuts may include excessive bleeding, swelling, bruising, or an inability to move the affected area.

Breaks and Fractures

A fracture is when there is a crack in the bone, while a break happens when the bone is completely split.

The fracture or break can be simple or complicated, depending on the extent of the injury. Symptoms of a break include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and in some cases, a visible deformity of the finger.

Fracture symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Depending on the severity of the injury, contact these workers compensation lawyers, as they can help you recoup lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and more.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are common injuries in the workplace and require immediate medical attention. These burns occur when the skin is exposed to corrosive or hazardous chemicals.

Common chemicals that can cause skin burns are strong acids, alkalis, chlorine, petroleum, and petroleum distillates. Signs of a chemical burn include pain, blisters, discoloration, and charring of the skin.

It is important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and other clothing items, along with checking for hazardous materials in the workplace area. This is to help prevent chemical burns.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

The condition is caused by the compression of a nerve in the wrist, resulting in numbness or pain in the hand, wrist, and arm.

Symptoms include pain, tingling, burning sensation, decreased strength, and mobility in the hands. The primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is overuse of the hands, especially while performing repetitive motion activities like typing, using a mouse, assembling components, and operating heavy machinery.

Most Common Hand Injuries in the Workplace You may Experience

Hand injuries can happen at any time. Take the necessary precautions to ensure workplace safety while maintaining the health of our hands.

With this guide, you can understand the risks of the most common hand injuries in the workplace. If injured in the workplace, be sure to seek medical attention right away to ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

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