Specific Workplace Injury Concerns for Women

Overall, women tend to suffer fewer on-the-job injuries and deaths than men. This is largely because men tend to be employed in more physically-taxing jobs like construction. But this does not mean that female workers cannot be injured or killed in workplace accidents. In fact, there are specific type of injury that female employees should understand and seek to prevent because they are at a greater risk of suffering these injuries than their male colleagues.

Familiarize yourself with these injuries and the specific issues that you can potentially face as a female workplace injury victim.

Studies have shown that women are more prone to knee injuries than men, specifically injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. This propensity has been linked to the estrogen present in women's bodies as well as the stress that wider hips tend to put on one's joints.

One way to minimize your chance of suffering an ACL injury is to learn how to use your hamstrings and knees to cushion your joints in a fall. By bending your knees when your feet touch down, you can absorb some of the shock of the fall and protect your ACL.

In many workplaces, female employees feel pressured to lift and carry the same amount as their male colleagues in order to “pull their weight.” Do your best to avoid this – by lifting and carrying more than you can handle, you are putting yourself at risk of chronic back and joint pain, strains, and muscle and tissue damage. Make use of dollies and platform trucks to move heavy loads and when these are not available, break the heavy transport into multiple trips.

There are also many injuries of which women in traditionally female-dominated fields need to be aware. For example, nurses are at risk of being injured when lifting or transporting very large or volatile patients. Cosmetologists are at risk of suffering injuries to the muscles and joints in their hands from their instruments or developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist that results in tingling and numbness in the hand, can happen to anybody who works at a computer for a living, such as secretaries, receptionists, and those working in billing and coding. When starting a new career, familiarize yourself with the risks associated with that career so you can better understand how to prevent them.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, work with an experienced San Jose workplace accident attorney who can help you get the monetary compensation you deserve. As a woman, there are certain issues that you might face that male injury victims might not – work with an attorney who understands these issues and will fight for you. At Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, L.L.P., we can help you get the money you deserve. We proudly serve clients throughout the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• Issues in Labor Statistics
• Weak in the Knees?