How Can I Prevent Pinch Point Injuries in the Workplace?

Every year, pinch point injuries affect employee health and employer productivity. In fact, reports of 110,000 annual hand injuries alone keep people from performing their jobs. Some of the injuries are severe enough to warrant that individuals remain on Workers’ Compensation for long periods. The best way to avoid debilitating pinch point injuries is to first identify what they are, learning how to deal with them, and understand how to quickly intervene when work accidents occur.

What are Pinch Point Injuries?

As the name suggests, a pinch point injury occurs when a part of the body is held between two strong forces. The pinch could involve only the skin, or could affect the muscles, tendons, bones, and even internal organs. Under the best circumstances, pinch point injuries will only cause small issues that can be treated non-invasively. More serious pinch point events can lead to lifelong nerve damage, surgical intervention, physical therapy, digit or limb amputation, and fatalities. More often than not, pinch point injuries stem from contact with heavy equipment. However, anyone working with tools or foreign objects can be at risk of pinch point injuries.

How Can Workers Avoid Pinch Point Injuries?

As with most risks in the workplace, the keys to avoiding pinch point injuries are using proper equipment and following safety protocols. Workers should routinely wear approved personal protective gear without fail, checking the gear regularly for any signs of wear or malfunctioning. Safety gear can mean anything from leather or chemical-resistant gloves, to hard hats and steel-toed boots.

Employees at risk of pinch point injuries should expect to receive training on the right way to perform their tasks safely. By understanding and following operational routines, workers can set themselves up for safer shifts. They will also be less likely to take dangerous short-cuts, neglect machine safety guards, or avoid completing essential end-of-day follow-through monitoring and reporting.

What to Do After a Pinch Point Injury

Workers who experience a pinch point injury on the job should seek immediate care. Even if the injury seems insignificant, it could be far more serious. For instance, slight bone fractures may present themselves with modest levels of bruising and achiness. Without intervention, those fractures could lead to future issues for the worker.

Employees with pinch point injuries who cannot immediately return to work after an on-the-job accident should follow workplace reporting guidelines as outlined in their employee manual. All manuals issued by employers will describe how to report injuries, as well as touch upon the proper way to file a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits.

If a pinch point injury claim is denied by the employer’s insurer, the employee has the right to file an appeal. Many employees in this situation turn to the help of a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer to smooth the process. That way, they can focus on getting well instead of dealing with the stressors of negotiating claims.

Vineland Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Fight for Employees Suffering Pinch Point Injuries

If you suffered a pinch point injury on the job, contact a Vineland Workers’ Compensation lawyer at DiTomaso Law. We will help you obtain the benefits you deserve. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Mt. Holly, Camden County, and Vineland. Call us at 856-414-0010 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.