The foot is an area of your body that you may never think about until it gets hurt.
Unfortunately, once it does, your lifestyle can change dramatically. While you can help remedy the situation by pursuing benefits with a workers comp attorney, the best case scenario is never getting injured in the first place. Below, we discuss some basic information regarding foot injuries in the workplace.
Common Foot Injuries
Given that so many workplace hazards come at foot level, there are dozens of foot injuries that might affect you. The most common of them are as follows.
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Amputations
- Puncture wounds
- Burns
- Sprains
- Frostbite
Each of these ailments will require a different treatment plan, so be sure to see a medical professional no matter how benign you think your damages are. In the state of Missouri, that person will most likely be a company doctor. The treatment you receive from this professional generally shouldn’t cost you anything, as your company will be the one paying the bill.
Accidents to Watch Out For
Though learning about injuries is useful, understanding the accidents that cause them matters much more. The following are some typical accidents to watch out for.
- Falling Objects – Perhaps the most common of all accidents is an object falling. Whether you drop them or they come from a shelf, a projectile with speed can do damage to your foot. If it is especially sharp or heavy, you could be out of work for an extended period.
- Chemical Splashes – If you work with harmful chemicals, you are always at risk of having them splash onto you. The feet are one of the most uncomfortable areas for this accident to happen in.
- Cold Weather – People that work outside have to deal with low temperatures in the Winter months. These conditions can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and other complications.
- Caught in Machinery – The worst of all scenarios is you getting your foot caught in a machine. This accident could end in a full amputation, which is a life-changing event.
Avoidance Tips
Avoiding these types of injuries is somewhat simple. The reason is that your workplace understands the dangers you face and should have safety guidelines surrounding your job. Following them should keep you safe. Still, we can provide some general tips for injury prevention.
- Wear protective gear at all times.
- Wear cold weather clothing if you work outside.
- Give your work your full attention, rather than doing things like checking your phone or daydreaming.
- Be extra careful around heavy machinery and in situations that are especially dangerous.
Ultimately, avoiding injuries comes down to following safety procedures and common sense. If you do that, you will significantly reduce your chances of injury. Still, a freak accident can always occur, and you might be left with substantial damage. In that case, it is in your best interests to speak with a Missouri workers compensation attorney as soon as possible. Doing so will bring you one step closer to obtaining compensation and coming back from your injury stronger than ever. Give us a call 24/7 at (816) 399-3706