Workplace Accidents: Common Manufacturing Injuries and Illnesses

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Workers in the manufacturing industry are often working in hazardous conditions and handling dangerous equipment that has the potential to cause serious harm. Whether you're a welder, an engineer assembling electrical equipment, a maintenance technician in a steel mill or a woodworker in a lumberyard - you put your life at risk every day to provide financial support for both yourself and your family.

Here's what you need to know about injuries in the manufacturing industry, how you can prevent them and what to do if you're hurt on the job. As always, we here at Dugan & Associates are available to help!

Assembly lines in manufacturing factories aren't the safest place to work. Some positions are more dangerous than others, but the risks are relatively similar across the entire industry. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common manufacturing-related injuries include:

Overexertion: Factory jobs often require a consistent amount stamina and physical activity - such as lifting heavy weight, bending down in low positions and standing for long periods of time - and require workers to be in good shape. Depending on the individual, physically demanding jobs can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Staying hydrated at all times, taking occasional breaks and wearing shoes with the proper support are ways to prevent these injuries.

Injuries from machinery: Forklifts, pulleys, torches, and other manufacturing equipment can be more dangerous than they appear. A significant number of workplace industries - and even deaths - have been caused by improper handling of this equipment, spanning from concussions, fractures, first-degree burns and more.

Injuries from inhaling harmful substances/chemicals: Sometimes, workers in the manufacturing industry are exposed to harmful chemicals they could accidentally inhale without the proper precautions and equipment. In these conditions, it's important to wear breathing masks and avoid skin contact with certain liquid chemicals. Your employer should always educate you on the potential risks beforehand, and provide you with the necessary safety equipment.

Burns from fires and explosions: Workers in manufacturing plants face the risks of potential fires and explosions caused from highly combustible materials, which could cause serious damages to numerous parts of the body.

Let Dugan & Associates Help You!

If you or someone you love has been injured in a manufacturing accident, the team at Dugan & Associates is here for you, and we're ready to look at your case. Our team of experienced workplace injury lawyers will make sure you receive the maximum monetary compensation available to you. Give us a call at 412-353-3572 or contact us online today for your free consultation.

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