| Doing a 180 | Life-Changing Injuries |
Most people avoid injuries in the workplace simply because they don’t want to get hurt. But how often do we consider the full impact that a workplace injury could have on our lives?
When we consider the consequences of a life-changing injury, it can help us re-assess whether we are putting enough focus on workplace safety and injury prevention. Consider the impact of an amputation, loss of vision, a brain injury, limb immobility, or other serious injury.
Potential Impacts of a Life-Changing Injury:
- Loss of income
- Loss of job
- High medical costs
- Change in financial status, including:
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- Ability to pay mortgage or rent
- Ability to pay expenses
- Ability to purchase desired items
- Need for rehabilitation or additional support
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- Loss of independence
- Need for re-training for a different job or duties
- Persistent pain and suffering
- Ability to interact and engage with friends as desired
- Impact on family relationships and ability to participate in family responsibilities
- Ability to participate in desired recreational activities
- Psychological impact, such as depression, anxiety, isolation, stress, etc.
The potential impacts of a workplace injury can be devastating for not only the involved worker, but also for their family. Although employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace, employees should not assume their employer will keep them safe. Workers need to take an active interest in their personal safety and speak up when hazards are identified in the workplace.
