Common Injuries of On-Duty Railroad Workers

Individuals who work on and around the railroad operate in particularly hazardous environments. Trains are large machines, and the entire operation of the railroad hinges on ensuring workers are safe. Here, we want to discuss the most common injuries that railroad workers sustain on the job. Additionally, it is crucial to understand some steps that you can take to help recover compensation after sustaining a railroad injury.

Broken and Fractured Bones

Broken and dislocated bones are among the most common railroad worker injuries. These injuries can happen in a variety of ways, including something as simple as slipping and falling on a wet surface, losing balance while walking a ballast, or being struck by heavy objects in the workplace.

Burn Injuries

Railroad workers spend a significant amount of time around heated metal surfaces, and this can increase the risk of severe burn injuries. Additionally, there are significant dangers associated with explosions, fires, chemical solvents, ruptured hoses, and more.

Back and Neck Injuries

Railroad work requires employees to lift and move heavy objects regularly. This can lead to extensive neck and back issues over longer periods of time.

Ligament and Tendon Injuries

Repetitive movements and lifting heavy objects can lead to significant tendon and ligament strains.

Crush Injuries

There are moving objects all over rail yards, including freight cars and locomotives moving in and out of the area as well as cargo and heavy equipment used throughout a rail yard. The risk of accidentally being crushed by these heavy objects is real, and this can lead to significant injuries.

Electrocution

Electrocutions not only cause significant burn injuries but can lead to massive tissue damage and trigger major internal injuries, including cardiac arrest or damaged organs.

Head Injuries

Rail workers face increased risks of head injuries. These injuries can occur as a result of a slip and fall incident, as well as being struck in the head by loose stools or cargo. Brain injuries range in severity from mild concussions to significant traumatic brain damage that can lead to long-term disabilities.

Loss of Limb or Disfigurement

Railroad workers face the risk of amputation or disfigurement as a result of many of the injury incidents listed above. This can include fingers, hands, feet, arms, or legs. Additionally, significant scarring can impact a person’s quality of life and range of motion.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Railroad workers often perform the same tasks over and over again for hours at a time and day after day. There how various types of repetitive motion injuries that individuals can sustain. These injuries may not show up for months or even years after a person begins work, but they can significantly impact a worker’s ability to carry out their job duties.

Work With an Attorney

If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury while working on a railroad in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, reach out to an attorney immediately. A skilled Chicago railroad accident lawyer will fully investigate the incident, handle all communication with insurance carriers and your employer, and work to recover maximum compensation for your losses.