The last thing you expect when turning up to work is to be involved in an accident that results in an amputation. Sadly, this is a reality for thousands of individuals across the U.S. each year.
Depending on the body part that is lost, an amputation can impact your life in numerous ways. Typically, you will lose some loss of function though which may impede your ability to work and earn an income.
Outlined below are some of the more common causes of workplace amputations.
Heavy machinery
Modern technology, including heavy machinery, has made life much easier for workers across various industries. That said, this technology doesn’t come without drawbacks. Heavy machinery can be powerful.
Many amputation injuries occur because a worker’s loose clothing has been caught in the mechanisms and the individual is subsequently pulled into the moving parts. If the safety switch is not activated on time then an amputation is possible. Vigilance from coworkers, management and guard rails can help to reduce the risk of such incidents.
Falls from a height
Some workers have to work from heights on scaffolding platforms, cranes and ladders. Falls are possible on all of these platforms and they can result in broken limbs.
While most fractures don’t result in amputations, crushing injuries and fractures that result in infections can end up with the affected body part being amputated.
Suffering a severe injury on the job can be physically and emotionally traumatic. The last thing you need to be worried about is where your income will come from. Seeking workers’ compensation can’t undo the accident but it can provide some financial relief for you.
