In our fast-paced society, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the never-ending to-do list and constant deadlines. We often push ourselves to the limit to achieve as much as possible.
While this may be necessary for some scenarios, it can also lead to dangerous consequences for our health.
No one expects to get sick at work. It’s always something that happens to other people, not us. But the unfortunate reality is that many workplace diseases are common and highly lethal.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600,000 Americans die from workplace illnesses.
That’s more than murders, car accidents, and HIV infections combined! So what exactly are these deadly diseases, and what can we do to protect ourselves?
Respiratory Illnesses:
One of the most common and deadly workplace diseases is respiratory illness. It can include anything from the common cold to more severe infections like pneumonia.
Often, you contract these illnesses when you expose yourself to airborne contaminants like dust, fumes, or smoke.
Here are a few that you can contract from your workplace:
Mesothelioma: It is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos exposure, a mineral once commonly used in construction materials, is a leading cause.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos at work, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. Early diagnosis is critical in treating mesothelioma. If you had no prior warnings through your employer, it’s time to take the matter to court.
Get in touch with Simmons Firm to help you file a lawsuit against your negligent employer for rightful compensation. Since this firm specializes in asbestos-related cases, you have a good chance of winning the case.
Legionnaires’ Disease: A severe form of pneumonia can be deadly if left untreated. Bacteria that grow in warm water and are found in cooling towers, hot tubs, and air conditioning units can cause this illness.
It is essential to get vaccinated against Legionnaires’ Disease if you work in a setting where you’re likely to contract the bacteria. Always make sure to keep water tanks and other warm water sources clean.
Silicosis: This disease results from extended exposure to silica, a mineral in sand, stone, and rock. Silicosis can cause permanent damage to the lungs and lead to death.
To protect yourself, it’s essential to wear a respirator whenever you’re working in an environment where you might be exposed to these contaminants. Also, always wash your hands thoroughly after returning home from work.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
You never thought that continuous use of mouse pad and keyboard could cause you some trouble, did you?
Well, it’s called carpal tunnel syndrome, and it is a prevalent and painful disease caused by the extended use of these devices.
The symptoms include pain, tingling sensations, and numbness in the hands and arms. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
Tendinitis is another common RMI (repetitive motion injury) resulting from repetitive motions like those mentioned above. It causes inflammation and pain in the tendons, most often in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or knee.
The good news is that you can do a few things to help prevent it, such as taking breaks often, using an ergonomic mouse pad and keyboard, and stretching your hands and wrists regularly.
Hearing Loss:
Working in places with excessive noise pollution can cause long-term hearing damage. The most common noise-induced hearing loss is called tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ear.
Other symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss include difficulty understanding speech and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
The best way to prevent this hearing loss is to wear earplugs or headphones when working in noisy environments.
Vision Loss:
Working in a poorly-lit environment can cause vision problems. Common eye problems associated with low light include eyestrain, blurred vision, and difficulty seeing small details.
Several other eye diseases and conditions can occur from working in front of a computer screen or other electronic devices for prolonged periods. These include:
• Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS): A condition caused by staring at a computer screen for extended periods. Symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, and neck pain.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: A condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated, leading to irritation, scratchiness, and blurry vision.
The best way to prevent these problems is to make sure your workstation is well lit. You can also wear sunglasses or tinted glasses when working in a bright environment.
Heart Attack:
We all know the drill. You spend all day at work, then come home and spend time doing housework or caring for your children. By the time you finally have a chance to relax, you’re exhausted.
Workplace stress is a significant contributor to overexertion. When you’re constantly under pressure, it’s easy to push yourself too hard and end up with a case of a heart attack, stroke, or other serious health problems.
The most straightforward approach to avoid these problems is to take breaks throughout the day and get a good night’s sleep.
Occupational Contact Dermatitis:
The part of us that is most exposed is our skin. And unfortunately, it’s also the most susceptible to various workplace hazards, including chemical and biological irritants.
One of the most prevalent work-related skin problems is occupational contact dermatitis. You increase your risk of contact dermatitis when you expose yourself to solvents, detergents, acids, alkalis, metals, and other chemicals.
If you think you might have contact dermatitis, see your doctor immediately. Treatment typically involves using topical steroids and moisturizers to soothe the affected area.
Musculoskeletal Disorders:
Back pain is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal diseases in the United States. It affects more than 80% of Americans at some point.
There are many different causes of back pain, but muscle strain or sprain is the most common. It can happen when you lift something too heavy, twist your body, or sit in the same position for too long.
You can prevent this type of back pain by lifting objects correctly, taking breaks often when working at a computer, and stretching your muscles regularly.
Many treatments can help relieve the symptoms if you already have back pain. These include over-the-counter medications, heat or ice packs, and physical therapy.
Lead Poisoning:
Lead poisoning can occur when you’re exposed to lead in the workplace. Lead is a hazardous metal that can lead to severe health problems if it builds up in your body.
The best approach to avoid lead poisoning is to ensure that there are no sources of lead exposure in your workplace. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to lead.
Ending Note:
Stay safe! Sharing this information is not to scare you but to make sure that you know the dangers lurking in your workplace. You can reduce your risks of getting these deadly illnesses by learning what to look for.