All workers count on their employers to provide them with a safe environment, which means that all necessary steps are being taken to reduce the risk of injuries. One injury that must be prevented is an on-the-job amputation.
Traumatic amputations are those that occur during an accident. There are many ways this can occur at work, so employees should understand the risks that are present.
What is a traumatic amputation?
A traumatic amputation occurs when one part of the body, usually a limb or digit, is severed. This is one of the most serious workplace injuries that can occur. They’re most common in careers involving power tools, heavy machinery or moving equipment. They can be caused by caught-in or caught-between incidents, mechanical presses, blades, sharp tools or conveyor belts.
Traumatic amputations can be either complete or partial, depending on how much soft tissue remains at the location of the injury. A complete amputation means the body part is totally severed. A partial amputation means there are some tissues that are still connected at the site of the injury.
In some cases, the severed body part can be reattached. Prosthetics are sometimes used when reattachment isn’t possible. Regardless of how the amputation is treated, considerable medical care and long-term effects are possible, some of which can negatively impact the person’s ability to lead a normal life.
Injured workers should ensure they have immediate medical care for these injuries. Workers’ compensation should cover those expenses, as well as specific others that are related to the injury. If the individual isn’t able to return to work, they may qualify for vocational rehabilitation, which could teach them how to do another job that can give them a viable opportunity to earn a living. Working with someone who’s familiar with these matters may be beneficial so these injured workers can get the benefits they’re due.