Workers in New York and throughout the country who are prone to fainting may be more likely to suffer from workplace injuries and job loss. This was the conclusion of a study that appeared online April 18 in the journal “Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.”
Researchers for the American Heart Association examined data for over 3.4 million people from 2008 to 2012. The workers, in the age range of 18 to 64, included those with fainting spells, or syncope, and those without the condition. People who suffered from syncope were twice as likely to lose their jobs and 1.4 times as likely to be injured on the job.
Injuries as a result of fainting on the job included internal bleeding, fractures and amputations, and manual laborers were the most likely to suffer these injuries. The lead study author suggested that workers who have fainting spells might be able to avoid injuries by changing to duties that do not involve dangerous tasks. Other conditions that correlated to a higher frequency of injury and job loss included depression and cardiovascular disease. A lower socioeconomic standing and youth were also factors.
When a workplace accident occurs, even if the consequences are not as severe as amputation or other permanent injuries, the employee might miss work during recovery. Workers’ compensation may help support workers and their families through these accidents. However, some workers do not realize that they are eligible. An injured worker might want to talk to an attorney about employee rights and the process of applying for compensation.
