5 Common Office Injuries in Atlanta

When thinking about accidents or injuries that happen on the job, they usually imagine construction sites, factories, warehouses, and other places where large machines, equipment, and hazardous conditions are present.

Chances are that the last thing you would think of is the quiet and subdued environment in an office. However, office injuries and accidents are more common than most people realize. When these happen, they result in lost earnings and time. In some cases, they can even lead to permanent or long-term disabilities.

It’s important for owners, managers, and employees to take an active role in workplace safety. Improved performance all starts with being aware of the issues that may occur. Learning more about the most common office accidents can help any worker avoid them.

Also, if you are injured in an office, you have rights. One of these rights is to recover workers’ compensation benefits. If you have questions or if your claim has been denied, reach out to Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys at Hines Law for assistance.

1. Falls

Falling down isn’t the only type of office accident that can occur; however, it is the one that is most likely to cause a disabling injury. According to the CDC, office workers are two times more likely to experience a disabling injury after a fall than those who don’t work in the office.

Some of the most common causes of falls in an office environment include:

  • Inadequate lighting
  • Tripping over wires, cords, loose carpeting, clutter, boxes, open desk drawers, and more
  • Using chairs rather than ladders to reach high items
  • Using an unstable chair
  • Slipping on a wet floor

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Many office workers experience carpal tunnel syndrome at some point. It affects the median nerve, which runs from your wrist and into your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this nerve is compressed or pinched. Some of the most common symptoms that occur with this condition include numbness, pain, or tingling in the lower arm and hand.

While there are several causes of this condition, workers who are straightening and bending their wrists frequently or those who use vibrating power tools often experience this condition.

3. Eye Strain

Cases of eye strain, which are very common in office workers, can result in headaches and other discomforts. If this happens, it’s extremely challenging to remain focused and productive. If proper lighting isn’t provided in an office environment, it may cause eye strain; however, there are other potential causes, too.

Just looking at a computer screen (or other screens) each day can cause eye strain. It also results in your blink rate dropping. If you aren’t blinking enough, your eyes will likely become dehydrated.

Symptoms of eye strain include blurred vision, dry eyes, fatigue, and headaches.

4. Cases of Back Pain

It doesn’t matter if back pain is due to poor posture or extended periods of time sitting; back pain is another common injury that occurs to those who work at a desk. Back pain can also be the result of other factors, such as sudden movements and lifting heavy items.

It’s estimated that workers who experience back pain will take around 17 days to recover from each bout of pain they experience.

5. Air Quality Issues

If you work in an office with poor air quality, it can result in several occupational illnesses, such as allergies and asthma. You may also experience chemical sensitivities in an environment with poor air quality. Humidity, excess dryness, blocked airflow, overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and cleaning chemicals can create a dangerous and illness-causing mix. Unfortunately, this is considered a “quiet hazard,” which means it is often difficult to identify and treat quickly.

Recovering the Workers’ Compensation Benefits, You Deserve After an Office-Related Injury or Illness

Have you been injured as an office worker? If so, you have rights. One right is to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, the process is not always simple, which is why hiring an Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney from Hines Law is important. With legal representation, you have someone who will fight for your rights to ensure that you receive the benefits deserved for the injuries and losses you sustained due to the injury or accident. The first step in this process is to get in touch with our legal team to discuss your options.

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