Many warehouse workers are no stranger to long days on their feet and limited bathroom breaks. In a recent report from The Atlantic, an Amazon warehouse worker in California received bladder related injuries in 2019 during a holiday shipping surge. While the working conditions of Amazon warehouse employees is another story, holding in your urine for prolonged periods on the job can come with serious health risks.
One of the most common problems that can occur from not relieving your bladder is a urinary tract infection (UTI).
What’s the relationship between your bladder and UTIs?
UTIs typically form when bacteria show up in your urinary system. While holding in your pee isn’t the direct cause of a UTI, bacteria are more likely to develop and multiply inside your bladder, leading to an infection.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
If you experience any of the following, you may have a UTI:
- A constant need to urinate
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Urine that has a strong smell
- Bloody urine
- Urine that looks foggy or cloudy
- Severe pelvic pain
If UTIs are left untreated, these infections can damage other parts of the urinary system like the kidneys. If workers who get UTIs have preexisting conditions such as an enlarged prostate or a neurogenic bladder, it could lead to involuntary urinary retention, which is typically caused by an obstruction to the urethra.
Workers should receive compensation for these infections
Workers’ compensation should cover recovery for on the job injuries like these. However, your employer may not always approve your claims. If that’s the case, you may want to seek a trusted legal partner who specializes in workers comp to guide you through this complicated process.