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Category: Types of Injuries & Illnesses

The danger of ignoring work-related repetitive strain injuries

Workers in many of the most demanding professions pride themselves on their job performance. They show up for work when they feel sick. They continue to perform job functions that cause pain. They tell themselves that their sacrifices are indicative of a strong work ethic and make them invaluable to their employer.

Unfortunately, workers may take that sense of dedication too far. They can cause real damage to their bodies in some cases. Even worse, they could potentially endanger their careers. People who have warning signs of repetitive strain injuries triggered by specific job functions need to speak up and seek care promptly. They may otherwise come to regret their decision to ignore their symptoms.

Symptoms are likely to worsen

Unlike traumatic injuries, such as a sprain or fracture, a repetitive strain injury doesn’t usually heal on its own. If anything, the professional is at risk of their symptoms slowly progressing over time. Unless they change their job functions, learn better body mechanics or acquire assistive technology, their symptoms could progress to a point where they can no longer perform job functions.

They may then have to transfer to a different position with lower pay. Other times, their pain and functional limitations can affect their speed and overall job performance. Their employers may end up demoting them, denying them opportunities for advancement or even terminating them.

Diagnosed conditions can lead to accommodations. Professionals who develop repetitive strain injuries at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation. The benefits available can pay for their treatment.

They can also arrange to take a leave of absence to allow their symptoms to improve, as they can rely on temporary disability benefits to replace some of their wages. In cases where the repetitive strain injury has begun impacting job performance, professionals might be eligible for partial disability benefits if they move to a different position with lower wages that does not exacerbate their symptoms.

When there is medical documentation of having a work-acquired medical condition, workers can potentially request on-the-job accommodations. They are less vulnerable to retaliation and claims of poor job performance because of their medical challenges.

Seeking care for a repetitive strain injury and notifying an employer can help protect a worker. Employees who file workers’ compensation claims can request accommodations and benefits that can help them control their symptoms and continue their employment.

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Special education support professionals face serious work hazards

For many people, working in special education is more than a job. It is a vocation or calling that feels very rewarding. Maybe they have a sibling with special needs who didn’t get proper support during childhood. Perhaps they see a need and want to help fill it.

Some people obtain degrees to become special education teachers, but they aren’t the only ones helping children with developmental disabilities and other challenges. Many school districts also employ numerous special educational support professionals.

These professionals help provide one-on-one support to specific students or assist teachers in the management of hectic special education classrooms. There are a number of stressors and risks that come with working in special education. Exposure to workplace violence is one of the most pressing concerns.

Statistics show higher risk for certain educational professionals

Evaluating work safety concerns often requires an analysis of reported job safety incidents. Research makes it relatively clear that those who provide support in a special education setting have more risk than many other professionals.

Special education assistants have nearly three times the risk of getting hurt as other educational assistants and many times more risk than teachers. Research shows that non-licensed professionals providing special education support services sustain injuries due to student aggression frequently.

Approximately 4.54 special education support professionals per 100 full-time employees sustain injuries caused by students in any given year. That rate is 1.59 per 100 full-time employees for other educational support staff and 0.80 per 100 full-time employees for licensed educational professionals.

Students who require special education services may struggle with emotional self-regulation. They may also fail to recognize support professionals as authority figures and might therefore treat them with less regard than they do the licensed teacher in the classroom. Those just trying to help can end up hurt when a child lashes out in a fit of frustration or anger.

Thankfully, workers’ compensation can help. Injured special education professionals may qualify for both disability benefits while they take time off to heal and medical coverage for the treatment they require.

Being aware of workplace job issues can help people to more effectively advocate for their safety and make appropriate benefits claims as necessary. Workers’ compensation benefits can protect even part-time professionals who are only in a classroom for a few hours every week. With that said, special education professionals may need help navigating the benefits system to get the support they require after a violent incident at work, and that’s okay.

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The most common injuries professional drivers face

Most people can agree that professional drivers, including truck drivers, bus drivers and passenger vehicle drivers, are essential in helping to ensure that goods and people reach their destinations efficiently. However, it’s easy to overlook that the nature of their work exposes them to several health risks and injuries.

Drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, endure irregular sleep patterns and deal with the constant stress of traffic conditions. All these and so much more create unique challenges that can result in devastating injuries.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Since the task of driving requires sitting for prolonged periods, drivers can agree that it takes a toll on their bodies. Not being able to move various muscle groups and joints as frequently as they should can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. These are conditions that affect drivers’ bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues, often resulting in:

  • Back pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder strain
  • Knee problems

These injuries can be exacerbated by:

  • Poor posture
  • Limited movement
  • Vibrations from the vehicle

Truck drivers who load or unload cargo are especially prone to lower back injuries due to improper lifting techniques.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

Driving as a profession comes with repetitive tasks like gripping the steering wheel or using pedals for extended periods. While doing such tasks over and over again might not seem like a big deal, after a while, drivers may develop repetitive strain injuries. Drivers who have been in the profession for years have likely developed:

  • Wrist pain
  • Shoulder tension
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Professional drivers may also develop leg pain from repetitive braking and acceleration.

Fatigue-related injuries

Individuals who only drive for leisure may not realize how exhausting driving can be for professional drivers who spend hours behind the wheel. To avoid getting involved in an accident, drivers have to:

  • Maintain razor focus
  • Quickly react to sudden changes in traffic
  • Observe traffic rules
  • De-escalate negative interactions with other road users

Furthermore, long-haul truckers and bus drivers with demanding schedules experience driver fatigue because they sometimes have to push themselves to drive longer. Fatigued driving can:

  • Impair their reaction times
  • Compromise their judgment
  • Increasing their risk of accidents

Fatigue may also contribute to chronic physical problems, as sleep deprivation affects muscle recovery and cognitive function.

Professional drivers might not be aware that they can be compensated for injuries sustained in the line of duty. The right legal team can help clarify their situation and assist with exploring all available legal avenues for fair compensation.

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How increased student violence may affect teachers

Teaching isn’t just a job. It is a vocation or calling. Educational professionals commit years to obtaining an appropriate education themselves. They may accept mediocre wages because they want to have a positive impact on children and young adults.

Teachers accept a variety of risks when they take a job at a school. Many teachers eventually develop repetitive strain injuries from spending hours at the board or typing. They are at risk of falls and illnesses caused by exposure to pathogens in a school environment.

Additionally, they are at risk of injuries caused by student violence. There has been a noteworthy uptick in incidents where students become violent toward teachers and other school professionals in recent years. How can that violence potentially impact teachers?

Students can cause serious physical damage

Children and teenagers alike can cause major physical injuries to teachers when they become aggressive. Teachers may not feel like they can fight back or even attempt to restrain the student in some cases, which may mean that a student hits or kicks them multiple times before someone else intervenes.

When students are younger, they can be particularly wild and aggressive. They might bite or throw objects that can injure a teacher. Older students may have incredible physical strength during their teenage years. A single punch could break someone’s nose and cause a brain injury.

The physical injuries that result from an act of violence may require hospitalization, surgery and even physical therapy. Teachers may spend months recovering from the harm a student causes in a violent attack.

Student attacks can cause psychological trauma

An attack in the classroom can do real psychological harm to a teacher. They may never feel quite as safe or confident in the classroom as they did before the incident. In some cases, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which makes it unhealthy and unsafe for them to return to the same institution. They may require years of counseling to overcome the trauma they experience.

The good news is that workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for both physical injuries and mental health challenges that arise due to an incident on the job. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to quantify and prove the impact of a mental health disorder like PTSD on a professional.

Teachers recovering from a violent attack at school may need help applying for workers’ compensation benefits. They may need to learn their rights if they require benefits for PTSD and other mental health consequences. Educators who learn about their rights can use that information when pursuing benefits for their injuries and the secondary consequences of violent incidents.

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Workers’ compensation for chemical exposure from plant explosions

While every profession features occupational hazards, safety hazards are particularly pronounced for employees who work at industrial plants. For example, there is always potential for chemical explosions, which can expose workers to toxic chemicals and cause devastating injuries. Exposure to harmful chemicals opens a Pandora’s box because affected workers can never be sure of whether they may have to grapple with both short-term and in the long run as a result.

In such predicaments, worker’s compensation can be a safety net to help employees prioritize their health without inspiring them to feel overwhelmed by unexpected medical bills. A recent chemical explosion at an industrial plant in Iowa highlights the value that workers’ compensation programs contribute when employees get injured on the job.

The Iowa plant explosion

On December 8, 2022, a plant explosion in Eastern Iowa caused significant concern among local residents and officials. Following the explosion, nearby residents had to urgently evacuate their residents due to the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

While the immediate focus was on containing the fire and helping to ensure public safety, attention soon turned to the plant workers exposed to these hazardous chemicals during the incident. The explosion happened at an industrial plant involved in processing and manufacturing. The combination of combustible materials ever-present at the facility and inadequate safety measures led to the massive blast. Workers present at the time of the explosion faced immediate dangers such as:

  • Burns
  • Respiratory issues
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals

The affected workers are now at risk of immediate and long-term health complications. This highlights the importance of understanding their rights to workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation for chemical exposure

The affected workers can apply for workers’ compensation to help ensure they have the financial resources they need for immediate medical care and long-term treatment, such as:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Surgeries
  • Physical therapy
  • Ongoing medical check-ups

Specialized care may also be required due to their exposure to toxic chemicals.

Since the injured employees suffered devastating injuries, they may not be able to find new work as soon as they need to. Luckily, workers’ compensation can provide partial wage replacement as they continue their recovery journey.

Employees who get injured on the job may not know what to do when their out-of-pocket medical expenses start to pile up. With reliable legal guidance, they can apply for workers’ compensation and likely receive financial relief as they recover from their injuries.

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The 4 most common injuries for medical employees

People often pursue jobs in the medical sector because they want a predictable career or because they feel strongly compelled to help others. The medical industry has long employed those who find personal fulfillment in assisting others. The healthcare sector also attracts bright young people in search of reputable and dependable sources of income.

Unfortunately, someone’s earning potential as a medical professional could disappear within moments after a serious injury on the job. There are numerous unique employment hazards in the medical sector that largely depend on someone’s exact role and areas of specialization.

Someone in a pediatric clinic has very different on-the-job hazards than someone working with adult oncology patients. That being said, statistically, there are four injuries that are responsible for a large percentage of lost-time incidents in healthcare settings.

Slips, trips and falls

People in any profession can lose their balance and fall. However, the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics asserts that slips, trips and falls are 90% more likely for healthcare workers when compared with those in other professions. Rushing to care for workers in crowded spaces and the spills that can occur in a medical setting help contribute to this pressing risk that can leave medical workers unable to do their jobs.

Needle sticks

The second most serious job hazard for healthcare professionals is the possibility of accidentally pricking themselves with a needle or other sharp object. Any sharp tool already used on a patient could have blood on it and may therefore expose workers to dangerous pathogens. Needle sticks can lead to permanent and even deadly illnesses for healthcare workers.

Repetitive motion injuries

Also called repetitive strain injuries, repetitive motion injuries are easy to develop in a healthcare setting. Someone who spends their entire day opening and analyzing collected blood samples could develop carpal tunnel that limits their functional abilities. Many specialized healthcare professionals have to perform the same tasks repeatedly and maintain unhealthy and uncomfortable postures at work. They may then find themselves dealing with diminished strength and range of motion due to those repeated job functions.

Injuries caused by lifting patients

The final common source of on-the-job injuries in the healthcare sector relates to the difficulties of regular patient care. Helping to lift and move patients can cause either repetitive strain or immediate traumatic injuries if people overexert themselves through heavy lifting. The need to provide physical assistance to patients can lead to significant injuries for healthcare providers.

Oftentimes, injured medical employees may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Learning more about benefits and job hazards can help people reduce their risk of serious disruptions caused by on-the-job injuries.

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What happens if a machine malfunction leads to a worker injury?

Blue-collar workers in numerous professions have to operate heavy machinery or do their jobs close to dangerous equipment. For example, those in a factory may use tool and dye equipment, while those working in construction may operate massive earth-moving equipment.

If those machines malfunction, the outcome of that situation can prove devastating for a worker. People can end up hurt by physical contact, electrocuted or thrown from a significant elevation. Sometimes, people develop permanent injuries. Other times, workers might even die because of a heavy machinery malfunction.

How can people obtain compensation when heavy machines malfunction and cause a workplace injury or death?

Machinery injury cases can be complex

Some workplace injury plans are quite straightforward. An hourly worker slips in spilled soda, breaks a bone, and gets workers’ compensation coverage for medical care and their temporary lost wages. Other times, there can be many questions about the compensation available and someone’s eligibility for certain benefits.

A construction worker might be a self-employed professional or an independent contractor. Therefore, Iowa workers’ compensation coverage would not apply if they get hurt at work. However, given that the injury related to a piece of machinery malfunctioning, they may have grounds to pursue a third-party lawsuit against the manufacturer of the device that malfunctioned or a business that maintained or rented out the heavy machinery.

In some cases, the machinery malfunction could relate to some type of negligence on the part of a property owner. The party that hired the construction crew may have some liability or an incident that leaves a worker injured in some cases.

Even if the person hurt by defective equipment is an employee, not a contractor, they may want to consider a third-party lawsuit as a way to recoup not only their medical expenses but the totality of their lost wages. Workers’ compensation doesn’t provide full reimbursement for lost income.

It can be very difficult for workers to understand their rights and options after they get hurt at a blue-collar job. Going over the circumstances that led to an injury with an attorney may help someone identify the best options for compensation when they cannot work because of an incident related to malfunctioning machinery.

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Workers’ Comp and Extreme Weather Conditions: Weather-Related Injuries

Iowa is no stranger to extreme weather conditions. In the past decade alone, Iowans have seen it all—tornados, hail, ice storms, blizzards, flash floods, derechos, etc. Extreme heat, cold, and storms can lead to weather-related injuries on the job, and that could result in Workers’ Compensation benefits for injured Iowa workers.

Cold Weather Injuries

Ice, snow, and bitter cold can be hard on every Iowan, including Iowa workers. Every day in the winter, it seems we hear about friends, family members, and coworkers who fall on slippery ice and snow. It can happen anywhere — at home, work, stores, and so on. Here are a few cold injury risks workers may face.

  • Falls. Workers have a risk of falling on ice when arriving or leaving work. Sidewalks and parking lots should be cleared of snow and ice and sanded or salted to provide grip.
  • Frostbite. Individuals who work outside face winter conditions that have the potential to cause frostbite on fingers, toes, and noses. Warm work attire and frequent breaks to warm up can prevent frostbite.
  • Vehicle crashes. Those who drive for a living deal with snow and ice on the roads, which can lead to auto accidents, crashes, and spinouts. While car or truck accidents may not be preventable, being aware of winter driving conditions is important for workers who drive and their employers.

Heat-Related Work Injuries

You don’t have to work as a firefighter to experience overheating, heat stroke, dehydration, or another injury or illness related to heat. As we all know, Iowa’s humid summer months can be stifling. This can put construction, farm, and other workers at risk of heat-related illnesses. Sweat can also cause hands to slip, which can mean something heavy gets dropped or the worker fails to properly operate equipment. Proper clothing and frequent water breaks to rest and cool off are a must to keep workers safe.

Indoor workers at manufacturing facilities are also at risk of overheating or having an accident related to heat. Sweat can get in a worker’s eyes or fog up safety glasses, causing a hazardous situation when running equipment or handling dangerous chemicals. Again, sweaty hands can be a factor in causing an accident on the manufacturing line or in a lab.

Finally, dehydration can occur in any type of heat, including dry heat. In dry heat, the sweat dries quickly, so you don’t realize how quickly your body is losing moisture. Heat combined with exertion can dehydrate workers before they realize what is happening. Measures should be in place to allow workers access to water and frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, if available.

Storms and Workers’ Compensation

Employers have a responsibility to keep workers safe when storms strike. That includes having a place for them to go in case of a tornado, hail, or windstorm like the derecho of 2020. Employers schedule storm drills to ensure that workers know the location of the storm shelter and how to get there. Employees should actively participate in storm drills, so they know where to go and the necessary shutdown procedures for equipment.

Tips to Prevent Weather-Related Injuries on the Job

Workers as well as employers should have measures in place to protect everyone from risk of weather-related injuries. The following tips will help keep you prepared for the ever-changing Iowa weather.

  • Proper attire
  • Your own water bottle
  • Safety equipment suited to heat or cold
  • Scheduled breaks for rest and water
  • Awareness of driving conditions
  • Preparedness for storms

If you believe you have become ill or been injured due to a weather-related incident, you may be able to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is. Report your injury or illness as soon as possible to your employer, and contact Wertz Law for expert guidance in Iowa Workers’ Compensation law.

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COVID-19 Work Comp Claims

Did you contract COVID-19 through work? Did you have lasting effects from COVID or medical bills from getting treated or during a hospital stay for the virus? Even if your employer insists that you couldn’t have gotten coronavirus at work, it is not the end of the story. Considering that we spend most of our waking hours on the job, it is plausible that a worker contracted COVID-19 while at work. Often, the challenge is proving that you did, in fact, contract COVID at work.

Despite the challenges of these cases, at Wertz Law, we believe it is worth considering your Workers’ Compensation rights in relation to COVID-19, especially if you answer yes to one or more of the following questions:

  • Do you work in healthcare?
  • What did the employer provide for PPE, or personal protective equipment?
    • Did they provide masks?
    • Did they make it possible to social distance from others?
  • Did other coworkers contract COVID-19?
  • What other exposure to coronavirus might you have had?

If you test positive for COVID-19 and believe you contracted it at work, you may want to explore Workers’ Compensation to help pay for time off for recovery as well as medical bills.

Lasting Effects of COVID-19

People who experience long-haul Covid can have a range of lasting effects, including brain fog, headaches, loss of smell, joint pain, fast heartbeat, depression, anxiety—and the list goes on. The Mayo Clinic identifies several possible symptoms of “post-COVID-19 syndrome,” which can not only last for months, but even reappear in people who had COVID. This can occur, even if the initial virus was mild.

If you had a preexisting condition when you contracted coronavirus, you may be more at risk of serious side effects. The important thing is to get treatment by seeing your doctor and documenting your illness. When you tested positive and where you believe you contracted the virus are important facts, as are the steps your employer took to protect you and other workers from the spread of the virus.

Carefully consider whether you could have gotten COVID at work, and contact us to discuss the possibility of making a workers’ compensation claim for COVID injury.

Know the Work Comp Benefits

Work Comp benefits include temporary and permanent disabilities, either of which may apply to your COVID-19 illness. Mileage and travel expenses may also be reimbursed. Review the Work Comp benefits so you can be informehttps://wertzlaw.com/blog/what-benefits-are-available-through-workers-comp/d about your rights as a worker in Iowa.

Report Your Work-Related Illness or Injury Within 90 Days

If you are sure your COVID-19 illness was contracted at work, notify your employer immediately. You have 90 days to report a work-related illness or injury, but the sooner you report it, the better. Document the virus, your treatment for it, and mileage and travel expenses. These steps may help clarify your work comp case.

Contact Wertz Law Firm for expert guidance on Iowa Workers’ Compensation claims. We help injured workers understand the law and file claims to receive the benefits they deserve. Contact us today.

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Am I at Risk for Injury by Toxic Fumes?

Chemicals and particles are in the air everywhere, from home garages and gardens to machine shops and construction sites. Workers in manufacturing, building, automotive, janitorial, and agriculture—even in food production—may be at risk for exposure to toxic chemicals. Sometimes, chemicals create toxic fumes. Toxic fumes can get in your lungs and eyes, causing irritation or damage to your lungs, skin, and eyes. Chemicals frequently affect the skin; latex allergies or contact reactions, such as blistering or chemical burns, can send you to the ER.

Other substances can cause exposure injuries, too, such as the mineral asbestos, dust, mold, and metal particles. Asbestos exposure is linked to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—another form of cancer.

Any kind of toxic fume or chemical exposure should be taken seriously. Seek medical attention and tell your employer if you are exposed to fumes or vapors on the job.

Sources of Toxic Fumes

The OSHA website contains more than two dozen pages dedicated to chemical hazards. This includes solvents, fibers, metals, fluids, minerals, and other hazardous materials. Be aware of the chemical hazards you can encounter at work.

A few common sources of toxic fumes and/or exposure risk include:

  • Adhesives
  • Ammonia
  • Asphalt
  • Bleach
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Chemical Additives
  • Cleaning Solutions
  • Mold
  • Paint
  • Paint Stripper
  • Pesticides
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Sewer Gas
  • Solvents
  • Engine Exhaust-Especially Diesel
  • Weed Killer

On the job or at home, certain substances should be handled with care. The side effects of inhalation of toxic fumes can include lung damage, headache, dizziness, nausea, and more. The effects can be acute, chronic, or both. If fumes or vapors make you cough, consider ways you can control exposure, and take measures to protect yourself.

Controlling Exposure to Toxic Fumes

Workers have a few options for controlling their exposure to toxic fumes. The main protection against toxic fumes is PPE, also known as Personal Protective Equipment. For toxic chemicals, that includes respirators, gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. By law, employers are required to provide PPE to minimize exposure to chemicals, vapors, and fumes. They should also provide ventilation, proper handling and use training, and job rotation to limit workers’ exposure to chemicals. Learn more from OSHA.

When using chemicals at work or at home, always follow the directions. Read the labels carefully, and avoid using chemicals together, as many react when combined. For example, ammonia smells bad at its full concentration, but when combined with bleach, it releases toxic gas.

At work or at home, you may be at risk for exposure to toxic fumes or noxious vapors that can hurt you. Take steps to protect yourself whenever you are exposed to fumes, engine exhaust, cleaning solvents, and so on. If you do get exposed to chemicals, know your rights under Iowa law. Learn more from our team. Wertz Law Firm specializes in workers’ compensation claims and can help you prove your case involving toxic fume exposure.

Other resources:

DHSS: Health Effects from Chemical Exposure

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