Common injuries for machine shop workers
California residents who work in machine shops know that these can be dangerous places to perform their job duties. The risks of chemical spills, fires, machine malfunctions, and other threats make it necessary to remain aware and attentive each minute of the workday. But the most diligent workers are sometimes unable to avoid injuries that are common to machine shop workers.
Workers’ comp experts identify the injuries resulting from the repetitive strain of lifting and handling materials as the biggest threat to machine shop workers. The injuries that come from making repeated motions are similar to those that happen when a person finds themselves stuck in an awkward position for an extended time. Common classifications for these injuries include repetitive strain injury, cumulative trauma disorder, repetitive motion disorder, and occupational overuse syndrome.
Individuals who work with metal parts use hand tools to complete their work. The risk of injuries from these tools increases when a worker chooses a tool not intended for a particular job. There is also an additional risk of injury when a hand tool does not receive proper maintenance, or the worker fails to comply with safety standards regarding the tool.
Machine shop environments sometimes include exposure to chemical hazards. Toxic chemicals are more of a threat to workers confined to poorly ventilated spaces. Machine shop workers may encounter both carbon monoxide and ozone gases while working. Threats from airborne dust and shrapnel can also become dangerous.