Discover some of the most common workplace injuries that require immediate medical attention—and what to do when one happens!

Injuries on the job happen more often than many realize—and in some cases, they may require an emergency room visit. Workplace injuries can range from minor to severe trauma, all of which can impact your ability to work. When the unexpected happens and you suffer a serious injury on the job, NW Indiana ER & Hospital is here to provide fast, expert care 24/7.

Over 3 million workplace injuries occur in the U.S. each year. Despite these numbers, many injuries go unreported or untreated, which can lead to long-term complications. But when a workplace injury is clearly serious or life-threatening, it’s critical to get emergency care immediately as injuries can worsen without proper medical attention, potentially affecting your ability to meet job demands or even resulting in permanent damage.

5 Common Work-Related Injuries That May Send You to the ER      

1. Severe Bleeding

If you are experiencing heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped with direct pressure, especially from deep cuts or wounds, immediate medical attention is critical. Excessive blood loss can lead to shock or other medical complications.

2. Head Injuries with Loss of Consciousness

Any head injury should be taken seriously. If you have suffered a blow to the head, particularly if you lost consciousness, it’s important to be evaluated for a concussion or more severe brain injury. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on memory, coordination, and overall functioning.

3. Broken Bones

Suspected fractures or broken bones should never be ignored. It can be difficult to diagnose a broken bone without the expertise of a medical professional. Without proper treatment, healing may be delayed or occur incorrectly, potentially resulting in chronic pain or reduced mobility.

4. Chest Pain or Difficulty Breathing

Any symptoms in your cardiac and respiratory systems may signal a life-threatening emergency. In many cases, prompt treatment can be the difference between life and death or prevent the development of more serious conditions.

5. Severe Burns

Depending on the severity and location, burns may need the immediate attention of a medical expert to prevent infection, tissue damage, and lasting scars. Immediate treatment reduces the risk of complications.

Common causes of these serious injuries include slips and falls, equipment malfunctions, hazardous material exposure, and vehicle accidents.

What to Do After a Work-Related Injury

If you’re injured on the job, the next steps you should take are to notify your supervisor immediately and seek medical care, if needed. For serious, major injuries, go directly to the emergency room.

If you have more questions or need more information on Workers’ Compensation cases in Indiana, visit the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Shop.

NW Indiana ER & Hospital’s 24/7 Workers’ Compensation Care

At NW Indiana ER & Hospital, we provide 24/7 workers’ compensation care to stabilize, diagnose, and treat serious workplace injuries effectively. We understand the importance of getting back to work safely and quickly.

Our dedicated team provides immediate comprehensive care in our state-of-the-art facility featuring on-site advanced lab and imaging and personalized recovery plans. Also, we understand and streamline the worker’s comp documentation process making it easier by managing both care and paperwork so you can focus on recovery.

NW Indiana ER & Hospital is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether you’re an employee or employer, trust us to deliver expert care with compassion and efficiency in need of a serious situation.

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, NW Indiana ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.