Work Injuries

In the United States, approximately 540 work injuries occur every hour. If you experience an accident or injury on the job, seek treatment immediately. Early intervention can reduce the risk of complications and help you return to work. At Durango Urgent Care, board-certified emergency medicine specialist Kimberlee Yeargin, MD, provides occupational medicine to employers and employees. To make an appointment, call the office in Durango, Colorado, or book online today.

What are work injuries?

Work injuries occur due to job-related activities. While anyone can experience a work injury, they’re most common in professions that use hand tools or heavy machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing.

If you hurt yourself at work, stop everything you’re doing. Then, contact Durango Urgent Care by calling the office or walking in during normal business hours.

What are some common workplace injuries?

At Durango Urgent Care, the providers diagnose and treat various work injuries, including:

• Slip and falls
• Fractures
• Dislocated joints
• Herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Frozen shoulder
• Muscle strains
• Sprains
• Lacerations
• Concussions
• Car accidents

You should also seek treatment if you hurt yourself while using hand tools, like a hammer, saw, or screwdriver.

What should I do if I hurt myself at work?

If you experience an injury at work, stop everything immediately and alert your supervisor in writing. You can explain what happened on a piece of notebook paper or document everything in an email. 

Since many states require you to file for workers’ compensation within a certain amount of time, contact Durango Urgent Care the same day. Your provider can get you in for an appointment and fill out the necessary paperwork to submit to your employer’s insurance company. 

What happens during a work injury visit?

At Durango Urgent Care, a work injury visit begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of the injury, including what you were doing when it happened and the type of symptoms you’re experiencing.

Next, your provider performs a physical exam. During the exam, they look for signs of an injury like bruising, redness, or swelling. Your provider also checks your range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes, and orders diagnostic imaging to rule out fractures, strained muscles, or damaged joints. 

After pinpointing the underlying issue, your Durango Urgent Care provider makes treatment recommendations. They also provide regular updates to your employer, ensuring you receive the benefits of workers’ compensation.

Is there any way to prevent work injuries?

There’s no way to prevent work injuries entirely, but you can significantly reduce your risk by following the proper safety precautions. Durango Urgent Care recommends wearing the required protective equipment, taking breaks throughout the day, and listening to your body.

To receive treatment for work injuries, make an appointment at Durango Urgent Care by calling the office, walking in during regular business hours, or booking online today.