Warehouse workers are a crucial element of the product distribution process, ensuring that goods are efficiently stored, picked and shipped to their destinations. However, despite their importance, warehouse workers sometimes get injured in the course of their work.
If you are a warehouse worker and are injured on the job, you might be able to seek compensation through workers’ compensation benefits. Here are some of the common injuries affecting warehouse workers.
1. Forklift accidents
Forklifts play a major role in the warehouse setting, aiding in the movement of heavy loads and facilitating the efficiency of operations. However, they also pose significant risks if not operated properly. Forklift accidents are one of the most common injuries affecting warehouse workers, often resulting from collisions with other vehicles or equipment, overturns or falls from the forklift itself. These accidents can cause injuries such as crush injuries, fractures and even fatalities.
2. Repetitive stress injuries
In a warehouse, workers often engage in repetitive tasks such as lifting, carrying, stacking and packaging goods, which can lead to repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). These injuries develop slowly over time due to repeated motions and overexertion of certain muscle groups or joints. Common RSIs among warehouse workers include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and bursitis, which can cause pain, numbness, tingling and reduced mobility in affected areas.
3. Hazardous materials
Many warehouses handle and store various chemicals including cleaning agents, pesticides and industrial solvents, which can pose serious risks if mishandled or improperly stored. Workers may be exposed to these hazardous materials through direct contact, inhalation of fumes or vapors or skin absorption. Exposure can lead to a range of issues including respiratory problems, skin irritation, chemical burns and long-term illnesses such as cancer or neurological disorders.
If injured when working in a warehouse, consider seeking legal guidance to better understand your options for pursuing compensation and help ensure your rights are protected.