Manufacturing industry workers are at high risk of being injured due to frequent heavy lifting, the operation of heavy machinery, repetitive tasks, and exposure to harmful substances. It’s rare that these injuries require surgery, though. What are the common manufacturing work injuries that require surgery in North Carolina? The list isn’t as long as you might expect.
Machinery-Related Injuries
The most dramatic workplace injuries that occur in a manufacturing setting are machinery-related injuries. In the most extreme examples, workers can have body parts or clothing caught in the machines while they’re in operation, resulting in severe damage to one or more limbs. A surgical amputation may be necessary to prevent infection and remove the severely damaged tissue.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are some of the most common injuries to occur in factory settings. Potential causes include:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Repetitive motions
- Poor ergonomics
- Slips and falls
- Working in awkward positions
Depending on the nature of your back injury, you may need surgery to resolve it. Spinal fusion to connect vertebrae and improve stability is one of the most common back surgeries for chronic pain. Herniated and bulging discs may also need to be addressed surgically.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, can become debilitating over time. In most cases, they can be addressed with physical therapy. Sometimes, though, surgery is the only option. Tendon release and debridement are commonly performed surgeries for repetitive motion injuries sustained by factory workers.
Burn Injuries
Severe burns sometimes occur in factories that handle dangerous chemicals or flammable substances. These injuries almost always require reconstructive surgery, including skin grafts or amputations, to restore function and prevent infection.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures can occur just about anywhere in the body for a wide variety of reasons. From slipping on wet floors to machinery accidents, broken bones are common workplace injuries. It’s rare for people to need surgery for bone fractures, but this approach may be necessary if you have an open fracture or the bones are unstable. Surgeons often place pins, plates, screws, and rods to help with healing severe broken bones.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are very common among factory workers due to the frequent lifting of heavy objects and the need to remain standing for prolonged periods. In some cases, knee surgery may be required to repair a damaged anterior cruciate ligament. In others, the entire joint may need to be replaced to address the injured worker’s pain.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Manufacturing workers can suffer traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or equipment malfunctions. In extreme cases, these potentially devastating injuries can lead to a need for emergency neurosurgery. Skull fractures sustained during falling object accidents can also leave factory workers in need of surgical intervention.
Manufacturing Injuries By the Numbers
In 2023, there were 2.4 manufacturing injuries per 100 full-time workers. Only 1.5 out of every 100 workers experienced an injury that caused them to take time off from work or request a job transfer or restriction. A total of 19 fatal injuries occurred that year throughout the Tar Heel State. Getting the right help is what’s most important for injured workers in North Carolina.
What to Do if You’re Injured at Work and Need Surgery
If you’ve been injured in a work accident, the first things you should do are seek medical care and inform your employer. After that, find a North Carolina manufacturing work injury attorney who can help you deal with insurance companies and get the care you need, including surgery if it’s necessary. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation insurers are sometimes hesitant to approve large procedures. Having a lawyer on your team to advocate for your rights can help.
FAQs
What Is the Most Common Injury in the Manufacturing Industry?
The most common injuries in the manufacturing industry are overexertion injuries. Overexertion injuries include repetitive motion injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders, such as strains, sprains, and joint pain. These injuries often develop gradually from lifting heavy materials and prolonged standing. Proper posture and ergonomics can help prevent overexertion injuries.
What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove?
The hardest injuries to prove are those that are subjective and invisible. Psychological trauma, chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, and mild concussions all fall under this category. There is no clear evidence on any standard scan that shows the presence of these conditions, which means victims suffering from them must rely heavily on self-reported symptoms to build their cases.
How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in North Carolina?
How much pain and suffering is worth in North Carolina varies on a case-by-case basis. There is no set formula for determining the monetary value of pain and suffering. Judges take into account several factors, including injury severity, emotional impact, treatment, and life disruption, when they determine pain and suffering.
What Are the Most Common OSHA Citations?
The most common OSHA citations in factories include failure to provide adequate fall prevention, manage hazardous substances, control dangerous machinery, or ensure proper access to and training in how to use personal protective equipment. Fall protection, hazard communication, ladders, lockout/tagout, and respiratory protection typically top the list in general industry, including manufacturing environments.
Hire a Manufacturing Work Injury Lawyer
When looking at the common manufacturing work injuries that require surgery in North Carolina, the list is long. These injuries can include crushed or amputated fingers and limbs, torn ligaments, and brain injuries.
If any of these injuries apply to you, you should hire a manufacturing work injury lawyer. The team at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, can help you file your manufacturing work injury claim. Our experienced attorney works to protect your rights and help you secure the benefits you need to focus on recovery.
Our team holds years of experience and an in-depth knowledge of manufacturing work injury laws and can successfully guide you through your workplace injury claim. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options and how we can help.
