Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries that one can sustain at the workplace. According to the National Safety Council, there were 48,410 ankle injuries in 2019, making up about 5.5 percent of workplace injuries. 11 days was the median amount of missed workdays for workers who sustained ankle injuries.
There are a number of ways workers might experience an unexpected ankle injury:
These types of injuries can be prevented by evaluating hazards in the workplace and ensuring that debris, tools and materials are put away after use. Employers must also make sure to train employees to comply with workplace safety policies.
Sudden injuries aren’t the only ankle injuries one can sustain in the workplace. Stress injuries can cause debilitating damage, even if the injuries develop over a long period of time. Two of the most common stress-related injuries are:
To prevent stress-related injuries, employers should encourage workers to wear proper footwear. Proper footwear can also prevent sudden or severe injuries. Footwear should protect feet from hazards in the workplace, but also provide support to the foot and ankle. Doing stretches can also help prevent stress-related injuries and pain.
In the case of an ankle injury, there are important steps to follow.
Workers’ Compensation claims for injured ankles averaged $31,777 from 2018 to 2019. If a worker does need to file a claim for an ankle injury, seeking professional legal help can ensure that the claim is filed properly and that everything that is owed to the injured party is properly paid. If you are considering filing a Workers’ Compensation claim, O’Connor Law PLLC can help. We will guide you through the legal process and inform you about your rights if you sustain an ankle injury at work. Contact our team today.