If you are a blue-collar worker, you face unique challenges and risks when on the job. Workplaces such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities or construction sites can expose you to hazardous conditions.
You can inform yourself by learning about common work-related injuries that blue-collar workers experience.
Overexertion and muscle strains
Overexertion injuries are common in occupations that require frequent heavy lifting. Unsafe lifts and overuse can lead to muscle and ligament injuries, such as strains and sprains. Soft tissue injuries, including tendonitis and bursitis, can occur. Back injuries are common among workers in many different industries. You can also damage your neck, shoulders and hips through overexertion.
Accidents and impact injuries
Contact with equipment and other objects causes many workplace injuries for blue-collar employees. These accidents can result in cuts, bruises and bone fractures. Injuries that affect the head, eyes and spine can be especially damaging. Falling objects can lead to severe crushing injuries on worksites. It is important to use protective gear, including a hard hat, when walking through hazardous areas.
Slips, trips and falls
Injuries caused by falls, trips and slips are common in all workplaces, including blue-collar jobs. You could seriously hurt yourself by tripping over a cable, slipping on a wet floor or falling from a ladder. Workers in construction, maintenance and cleaning roles are particularly susceptible to falls from heights, which can result in severe injuries. Employers should keep worksites free of debris that can contribute to accidents and provide safety gear and training for all workers.
Workplace injuries can be costly, stressful and painful. Understanding the safety risks and injuries associated with blue-collar work is important.
