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If you work in an industrial setting or with heavy machinery, you and your coworkers may be at risk for crush injuries in the workplace. Knowing how to help someone who has suffered a crush injury can be a matter of life and death. Due to the nature of crush injuries, one wrong move could prove fatal.If you’ve suffered a crush injury at work, a worker’s compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you need. However, it is always best to simply avoid a serious injury altogether whenever possible. Below find out how to rescue a crush injury victim in the workplace and prevent it from happening to anyone else.
What Do I Do if a Coworker Suffers a Crush Injury?
If a coworker suffers a crush injury, you’ll likely want to jump into action right away and do anything you can to help. However, taking action doesn’t always mean physically helping someone. The type of action you take can be the difference between temporary or permanent injuries and even life or death for a crush injury victim.
Call for Help
No matter how the injury took place, the first thing that needs to occur is a call to the proper authorities. This means getting in contact with an on-site professional who is trained to deal with crush injuries or calling 911 and letting them know what took place.
These types of accidents can lead to severe injuries (such as internal bleeding) which must be treated promptly. Even if the crush injury victim seems to be okay, it’s best to call for help and have them checked out by medical professionals.
Do Not Move the Injured Party
No matter how uncomfortable the situation may seem for the injured, do not move them if they cannot move on their own. You should comfort them and let them know that help is on the way, but moving them could worsen their injuries or lead to more severe problems.
Wait for medical professionals to arrive on the scene and allow them to diagnose the situation before you make any attempt at moving your coworker.
What Are Some Common Causes of Crush Injuries?
Crush injuries are common in work settings that include heavy machinery and other heavy objects. However, crush injuries aren’t just the result of a large object, such as a forklift, pinning somebody to a wall. They can also occur if an appendage is trapped between two solid surfaces. Anytime there are two hard objects surrounding a person, a crush injury can happen.
Falling Objects or Collapsing Structures
These instances are especially common for those who work on construction sites. If a structure collapses, a person could be pinned beneath it and be unable to get out from underneath.
Machinery
Whether machinery is defective or just handled improperly, it is one of the leading causes of crush injuries in the workplace. All workers assigned to operate or handle machinery must be thoroughly trained and understand all of the safety features associated with such equipment.
What are the Most Common Crush Injuries?
Crush injuries can have a full range of severity levels. Some injuries are minor, resulting only in a little bruising. However, many other accidents are severe, can amputate entire limbs, or even lead to death. Because of the weight of the objects and machinery that can cause crush injuries, these sobering accidents can often have grave results.
Some of the most common crush injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Muscle and nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Organ Damage
- Amputation
- Death
Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a very serious ailment and one that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when there is increased pressure on a muscle which restricts blood flow. It can happen very suddenly after a crush accident. Without prompt treatment, it could lead to amputation or death.
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Crush Injuries
If you suffer a crush injury in the workplace, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Filing such a claim can be a long, tedious process, but it’s necessary to ensure that you have all the medical treatment you need (and may need in the future) and that you and your family are provided for while you are unable to work.
A workers’ compensation attorney can help you file your claim and ensure that all expenses are covered by your company. If you have any issues recovering your compensation, a lawyer can be a powerful ally, fighting to ensure that you receive everything you are entitled to.
How to Avoid Crush Injuries at Work
The easiest way to prevent crush injuries in the workplace is for all employees to be properly trained to handle machinery and other heavy equipment. Workers should also be able to take regular breaks to remain alert, and all machinery should be well-maintained.
It is also important that all employees know basic first-aid and how to properly handle an emergency. If an employer does not properly train or provide training for their employees, they could be sued by an injured party. Additionally, an employer must have proper safety measures in place should such an accident occur.
Contact KJT Law Group for Help With Your Crush Injury Compensation
If you work in an environment where crush injuries are common, it’s essential that you understand safety practices and how to properly respond if a coworker needs help. Knowing how to respond correctly can create a better and safer work environment for everyone. If you need help filing a workers’ compensation claim or taking legal action against an employer, KJT Law Group can help. Our team is committed to workplace safety and passionate about helping accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve. If you need a crush injury attorney, contact us online or call (818) 507-8525.
