Common Injuries Among Assembly Line Workers

Assembly line work is a vital part of the manufacturing process. Assembly line workers assemble products, monitor the production process, and ensure products meet quality standards. Assembly line work allows many people to earn a steady income. However, being an assembly line worker also comes with its risks. Assembly line work can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous. The presence of heavy machinery, the fast-paced production environment, and the repetitive nature of tasks put assembly line workers at risk of suffering various injuries. Below are some of the most common injuries among assembly line workers;

1. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs)

One of the most prevalent injuries among assembly line workers is repetitive strain injury (RSI). A repetitive stress injury arises when a person suffers damage to their muscles, tendons, or nerves. Assembly line workers suffer RSIs due to the nature of their work, which often involves repetitive motions for long periods. For instance, assembly line workers who must repeatedly use their hands and wrists to perform tasks like tightening bolts of packaging products may develop carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive stress injuries.

2. Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries involve damage to the muscles, bones, tendons, joints, or ligaments. Unlike repetitive stress injuries, which specifically arise from repetitive motions, musculoskeletal injuries commonly occur from manual handling tasks such as lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects. Working in awkward positions or improper body mechanics can also cause musculoskeletal injuries.

3. Impact and Crush Injuries from Machines, Equipment, and Objects

Assembly line workers operate large machinery and equipment and come into contact with various objects, which can lead to accidents and injuries. When an assembly line worker comes into contact with moving machine parts, gets caught in machinery or equipment, or is hit by an object, they can suffer injuries. One of the most significant risks among assembly line workers is getting a hand, finger, limb, or other body part caught in a machine, potentially resulting in crushing injuries with severe and long-lasting consequences.

4. Cuts and Lacerations

Assembly line workers use sharp tools, materials, and machinery that can cause cuts and lacerations. These injuries can vary in severity from minor to severe. However, even minor cuts can significantly impact a worker. Even a minor cut can lead to an infection that can worsen over time. In more severe cases, a worker may suffer deep tissue damage, necessitating stitches or even surgery. Cuts and lacerations can also cause prolonged pain and scarring, affecting an individual’s ability to continue working.

5. Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries

Slips, trips, and falls are quite common among assembly line workers. The fast-paced environment, wet or slippery floors, and cluttered workspaces can cause workers to lose their balance, slip, trip, and fall. Slip, trip, and fall accidents can cause various injuries, including broken bones, back injuries, and head injuries.

6. Burns

Often, factories use hazardous chemicals, some of which can be dangerous upon contact with skin or inhalation. Workers may suffer burns due to exposure to toxic chemicals. Workers exposed to open flames or high temperatures are also at a high risk of suffering burns.

Legal Help Is Available

If you suffer a work injury as an assembly line worker, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and seek benefits. A skilled Vermont workers’ compensation lawyer at Sluka Law PLC can help you with your legal claim.

Source:

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-strain-injury