Many people know that an injury at work can be cause for a compensation claim, but did you know that hand injuries fall into their own, specific, category as they can have such a big impact on our lives?

Our hands are crucial to many of the tasks we perform, and if the hands are injured or damaged, our ability to do our jobs, as well as many other activities, may be compromised. Here is our guide to common hand injuries that occur in the workplace, and what to do if you experience an injury such as this.

What Sort Of Hand Injury Can Occur At Work?

• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). RSI is a very common condition, especially amongst workers who use computers or perform other operations where the same muscles and ligaments are used repeatedly. Actions that cause RSI can lead to further problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, and if these result from your daily job, you could be entitled to claim compensation.
• Burns. If your working environment places you at risk of burns or chemical burns, you will probably have specific safety procedures to follow to prevent injuries. However, if these are not sufficient to protect you, or if safety procedures are overlooked or neglected, you could be entitled to claim compensation from your employer if you are injured in this way.
• Cuts, lacerations and punctures. All injuries to the hands should be reported, however insignificant they appear at the time, because even a small cut carries a risk of infection, and could cause further problems. If a puncture wound occurs, this can have a serious and lasting impact on the health of the hand, and any laceration should be checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible to rule this out.
• Fractures or crushes. If a hand or finger is crushed or fractured, you will need time off work for this to heal and may not experience the same level of movement and flexibility in the future. This could affect your ability to carry out certain tasks and may restrict the work you are able to do.

What To Do If You Are Injured At Work:

It is important to seek medical advice whenever you have an injury to one or both of your hands, in case you need to make a compensation claim in the future. If you have suffered an injury at work, you should seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Talk To Personal Injury Solicitors in Cork

Contact Irwin, Kilcullen & Co Solicitors for a free consultation without obligation and benefit from our expertise in personal injury claims. Simply contact us online or call us today on +021 4270934 to talk to our experienced and helpful team.