Warehouse Worker Injuries and Workers’ Compensation

Warehouse employees work on a wide variety of tasks which can lead to injury. In the state of Pennsylvania, these injuries are covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, which requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees. Here, we’ll discuss some of the occupational injuries that can affect warehouse workers and what to do if you’ve been injured on the job.

What kinds of work injuries affect warehouse workers?

Traumatic brain injuries

Some of the most severe injuries we see in warehouse cases are traumatic brain injuries. These can be caused by falling objects, falling from a height, forklift accidents, and other heavy machinery. Traumatic brain injury is a term that covers a wide scope of injuries, from a simple concussion to more severe conditions that can result in loss of brain function. All traumatic brain injuries should be taken seriously and treated immediately, even if the injury seems minor.  

Crush Injuries

Crush injuries occur when excessive force is applied to a part of the body, most commonly in cases where the body part is caught between machinery or other heavy objects. These accidents can cause injuries like broken bones, bleeding, bruising, compartment syndrome, and infection. In severe cases, crush injuries can result in the loss of a limb, paralysis, or even death. 

Repetitive Strain Injuries 

The term repetitive strain injuries (or RSIs) refers to a group of injuries that are most commonly caused by repetitive motions in an area of the body. Some of the most common RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tennis elbow, and back strains and sprains. In a warehouse environment, you might be moving heavy objects from place to place, using the same muscle groups each time. Those repeated motions cause stress on those areas of the body, which over time can lead to these injuries.

Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion injuries are caused when a worker’s physical ability is not aligned with the physical demand of a job. Overexertion can result in strains and sprains, syncope (passing out), heat-related injuries, and back or neck injuries. Heart attacks, stroke, and death can occur in extreme cases of overexertion. Causes of these injuries include lifting heavy loads, holding awkward positions, and working in extreme conditions such as heat or cold. 

Toxic Exposure

Warehouse workers are susceptible to injury through exposure to toxic substances. These can include industrial cleaning chemicals, adhesives, toxic gases, and other airborne toxins. Your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals may be higher or lower depending on the type of warehouse and your job description. Extended exposure to toxic chemicals can result in breathing problems, chronic conditions, and even certain cancers.  

What should I do if I’m injured in a warehouse accident?

The first step is to report your injury to your employer. In the state of Pennsylvania, your injury must be reported within 120 days to be eligible for workers’ compensation. We always recommend you report any injuries on the job right when they occur. You should speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. Fill out our contact form here on our website or call us at 1-800-518-4529 for a free, no obligation case review to see how we can help you. You don’t pay anything if we don’t win your case.