When you hear the phrase “workplace injury,” your mind probably immediately thinks of physical injuries caused by a fall, or a dangerous work environment, or a negligent co-worker. You may imagine someone with broken bones, cuts, bruises or even a head injury. But what would you say is the most common workplace injury in the United States?
You may say one of those “common injuries” we listed above. Actually though, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common workplace injury is hearing loss.
In our source article, you can read about a 55-year-old man who is dealing with severe hearing loss. His condition is so detrimental that he is barely able to leave his home. His hearing has been damaged so badly that normal sounds and audio cause him debilitating pain. He had to stop working in 2011, and he spends most of his time in a soundproof basement. After more than three decades working as a construction worker — and spending all of that time around powerful machinery that make exceptionally loud noises — the 55-year-old is effectively bound to his quiet basement.
It’s a depressing and scary reality, and one that could affect anyone if they are afflicted with severe hearing loss.
This is the thing about working in dangerous industries such as construction: the risk to your body is much greater than in other sectors of employment. You may not know what to do in the wake of a workplace accident or a debilitating condition that affects you after years of working. In such cases, you should consult with an experienced ‘ attorney.
Source: PBS, “America’s most common workplace injury is hearing loss,” Zhai Yun Tan, Kaiser Health News, Sept. 10, 2016