15 Work Injuries You May Not Know About

When people think about workplace injuries, they often imagine slips and falls, back strain from heavy lifting, or repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. 

While these are common, many lesser-known workplace injuries can have severe consequences for employees. 

These obscure injuries often go unnoticed or are mistakenly dismissed as unrelated to work, making it important to know how they occur and what rights workers have in seeking compensation.

Below is a look at some uncommon work injuries and what you can do if a work accident happens to you.

What Are Some Examples of Obscure Work-Related Injuries?

1. Acoustic Shock Injury

Acoustic shock injury occurs when a worker is exposed to sudden, loud noises, particularly through headsets or communication devices. Customer service representatives, call center employees, and emergency dispatchers are at risk. A sudden spike in sound, such as a feedback loop or an unexpected loud noise, can cause symptoms like tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, and psychological distress.

2. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Sick Building Syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms employees experience due to prolonged exposure to unhealthy indoor environments. Poor ventilation, mold, chemical pollutants, and inadequate air filtration can contribute to SBS. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, and difficulty concentrating. Office workers, teachers, and healthcare professionals are particularly susceptible.

3. Decompression Sickness (The Bends)

Most commonly associated with deep-sea divers, decompression sickness can also affect workers in high-altitude environments or those who work in pressurized conditions, such as aerospace engineers and tunnel workers. The condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream due to rapid pressure changes, leading to joint pain, dizziness, paralysis, and even death if untreated.

4. Vibration-Induced White Finger (VWF)

Workers who frequently use vibrating tools such as jackhammers, chainsaws, or pneumatic drills can develop Vibration-Induced White Finger. This condition affects blood circulation in the fingers, leading to numbness, pain, and even permanent tissue damage. Construction workers, loggers, and mechanics are most at risk.

5. Byssinosis (Brown Lung Disease)

Byssinosis, commonly known as "brown lung disease," is caused by inhaling cotton, flax, or hemp dust in textile mills. Workers in the textile industry may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and tightness in the chest. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe respiratory conditions similar to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

6. Popcorn Lung (Bronchiolitis Obliterans)

Popcorn lung is a serious and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling diacetyl, a chemical used in food flavoring, particularly in microwave popcorn production. Workers in food manufacturing and chemical plants are at risk. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing.

7. Phantom Limb Pain From Workplace Amputations

Workers who suffer amputations due to industrial accidents may experience phantom limb pain, a condition where they feel pain or sensations in the missing limb. This neurological condition can cause chronic pain, making it difficult for workers to return to their jobs or maintain quality of life.

8. Chronic Exposure to Blue Light

Employees who spend excessive time in front of computer screens or under artificial lighting may suffer from chronic exposure to blue light, leading to digital eye strain, headaches, sleep disruption, and increased risk of macular degeneration. Office workers, IT professionals, and content creators are particularly vulnerable.

9. Occupational Sunburn and Skin Cancer

Outdoor workers, such as construction workers, landscapers, and agricultural employees, face prolonged sun exposure that increases the risk of severe sunburn and skin cancer. Unlike injuries that result from immediate accidents, the damage from UV exposure accumulates over time, leading to long-term health complications.

10. Chemical Sensitivity and Occupational Asthma

Repeated exposure to workplace chemicals can lead to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) or occupational asthma. Hairdressers, cleaners, and factory workers handling strong solvents, perfumes, and industrial cleaners are at risk. Symptoms range from headaches and dizziness to severe respiratory distress.

11. Mental Health Injuries From Workplace Trauma

Employees in high-stress professions, such as first responders, healthcare workers, and journalists covering violent events, can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. Workplace bullying and harassment can also lead to anxiety and depression, significantly affecting employees’ well-being.

12. Hypothermia and Cold Stress

Workers in refrigerated warehouses, fishing industries, and outdoor winter jobs can develop cold stress injuries, including frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia. These injuries can lead to long-term nerve damage and increase susceptibility to infections.

13. Radiation Exposure Injuries

Medical professionals, nuclear plant workers, and researchers dealing with radioactive materials may suffer from radiation exposure. This can lead to burns, radiation sickness, and long-term health issues like cancer and genetic mutations.

14. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from Prolonged Sitting

Employees in sedentary jobs, such as airline pilots, truck drivers, and office workers, can develop DVT, a blood clot condition that can lead to life-threatening complications if a clot travels to the lungs. Long hours of sitting without movement contribute to this condition.

15. Stress Fractures From Repetitive Motion

Athletic trainers, dancers, and even warehouse workers who perform repetitive movements can suffer from stress fractures. These tiny bone cracks develop over time due to repeated pressure, leading to severe pain and mobility issues.

Real Life Examples of Obscure Workplace Injuries

Some work injuries are uncommon, while others are one-of-a-kind. Here are some real-life examples of rare accidents in the workplace.

Please note: The following stories are shared for informational purposes only. They’re based on publicly available reports and are not cases handled by our firm.

A Break Gone Bad

An Arby’s employee grabbed a cup that looked similar to hers. Instead of getting a refreshing drink, she consumed lye—a strong chemical solution for cleaning—which burnt her esophagus. The claim was ruled in her favor because the lye had no business being stored in the break room.

Pizza Panhandler Attack

A panhandler entered a pizza establishment in an attempt to get free pizza. A returning delivery driver saw the panhandler being chased out of the restaurant and intervened to help, when the panhandler stabbed him, puncturing his lung. Luckily, he had been on the clock when injured, so his claim was approved.

Work-From-Home Mishap

A woman working remotely from home had to retrieve some work supplies from her garage. On the way, she tripped over her own dog and broke her wrist. While she initially didn’t think she could recover workmans’ comp, she was awarded her claim since she was on the clock. 

Mauled by a Bear

A state park worker was mauled by a bear while under the influence of marijuana. However, the judge ruled in his favor citing that bears are “equal opportunity maulers.” Therefore, his being under the influence had nothing to do with the claim. 

Parfum Empoisonné

150 people at a call center started feeling dizzy and had trouble breathing. It was immediately assumed that employees were the victim of some sort of toxic chemical exposure. One hundred of the employees were treated at the scene, and thirty had to seek hospital treatment. The culprit wasn’t poisonous chemicals but perfume. 

While the above examples represent some truly obscure work-related injuries, there are times when you may not realize your unusual injury can and should qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits. That’s why you should always take advantage of a free case evaluation with Morgan & Morgan to learn more about your legal options and whether you have a case.

What Should You Do If You Suffer From an Obscure Workplace Injury?

Many obscure work-related injuries are overlooked or difficult to prove, making it important for affected workers to take immediate action. Here’s what to do immediately after an accident:

• Report the Injury: Notify your employer as soon as symptoms arise, even if they seem minor.
• Seek Medical Attention: A professional diagnosis can help connect your injury to your workplace conditions, giving you important evidence for your claim and ensuring your health and safety.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of symptoms, medical visits, and workplace conditions that may have contributed to your injury.
• Consult a Workers' Compensation Attorney at Morgan & Morgan: If your employer or insurance company denies your claim, an attorney can help you fight for your rights.

Morgan & Morgan: Fighting for Workers’ Rights

At Morgan & Morgan, we understand that no workplace injury is too small or insignificant when it affects your health and livelihood. If you've suffered from an obscure work-related injury, we are here to help—no matter how obscure your case may be. 

Our experienced workers' compensation attorneys can guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve to get your life back on track.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your rights and options. Because when it comes to fighting for workers, we are For the People.