Over the last decade, approximately 20,000 Victorians injured themselves at work each year. The most common parts of the body injured include the back, the shoulder, the knee and the hand. In addition to this, a significant number of people have psychological issues directly related to their workplace. It is no secret that there are certain industries in which workers injure themselves more often than others. These include the manufacturing, construction and healthcare industries.
At Sandhurst Plastic Surgery Bendigo we regularly see patients with injuries sustained as a direct result of their employment. A majority of these patients have injured their hands in some way, but we also see patients with facial injuries, lacerations to just about anywhere on the body and also burns. Unfortunately, whilst patients immediately realize when the accident occurs that they have a significant injury, they often do not appreciate what happens thereafter. We thought we would put something together that can help people understand the process of treatment following a workplace injury.
Firstly, a lot of our patients are concerned about the financial aspects of a workplace injury, so we thought we would give some clarification. Your employer will have an insurance policy that covers their employees for injuries sustained at work. When you injure yourself your employer will contact their insurer and obtain a provisional claim number which will help cover the cost of your hospital stay and also the treatment given by the surgeon, the anaesthetist and the therapist involved in your rehabilitation. It is important that you take control of your case and keep a copy of every document that you receive, that way the cost to you will be minimized.
Once you have been assessed by the surgeon, and the therapist, a management plan that is appropriate for your injury will be devised. From the outset, the goal of treatment for a workplace injury is to restore as much function as possible. In most cases where surgery is required, the therapist may visit you in hospital, or ask to see you in their rooms and a custom-made splint will be fabricated. This is so that it can be fitted at the completion of the procedure. This splint may need readjusting as you progress through your recovery.
The time off work can vary depending on the nature and extent of the injury. For a simple skin laceration the time off normal duties may be only a week. For a complex injury involving tendons or nerves, provided there are no complications, the time off work may be up to three months. The key to success, particularly when it comes to hand injuries, is listening to your hand therapist and doing everything they say. Fortunately, most complications such as finger, or hand stiffness are avoidable if you are diligent with your exercises and splinting. It may seem like an inconvenience at the time, but you need to stay focused and remember that following the instructions of the therapist will put you in a position to make the best recovery possible.
Of course, the best intervention is prevention. Over the years, the members of our clinical team have noticed certain trends in workplace injuries. In most cases they represent common sense, but to summarize here are a few tips from the team at Sandhurst Plastic Surgery Bendigo:
1. Safety Features: Use Them
The safety features of any machine are there for a reason – use them!
2. Safety Gear: No Exceptions
Wear appropriate safety equipment. It doesn't matter how experienced you are, or think you are, or if you think you look stupid.
3. Ask For Help
If you are new to a job and are not sure about something, ask.
4. Return to Work
If you are injured go back to work as soon as possible. Your surgeon and hand therapist can discuss suitable modified duties for you to do.
5. Be a Teacher
If you have junior staff or apprentices, make it your responsibility to make sure they are safe.