Dangers lurk in all workplaces, particularly where individuals and entities who are responsible for worker safety and well ignore safety or do not prioritize safety. Employees face a number of dangers including slip-and-fall accidents, falling objects, equipment malfunction and other incidents that could cause serious workplace injuries or even fatalities in the workplace. High-risk fields of work such as construction and manufacturing in particular have the potential to result in life-changing injuries.
Here are the 10 most common injuries suffered on the job:
1. Slip and Fall Injuries
These are probably the most common type of injuries suffered in the workplace. Falls could occur in any workplace – be it a construction site, warehouse or a manufacturing facility to an office, a supermarket, school or hospital. All it takes for a slip-and-fall accident is slick floors or a lack of warning signs to let people know that the floor is slippery.
2. Falls from Heights
Falling from height is the most common cause of deaths in the construction industry. However, these types of accidents could happen in any workplace. Anyone who is working from heights should be provided with fall protection equipment such as harnesses, safety nets and guardrails. Workers should also receive training on how to use these types of safety equipment.
3. Struck by Moving Objects
Another hazard in many workplaces is getting struck by moving objects. In an office, warehouse or manufacturing facility, this could involve getting struck by boxes, tools or other materials. It also includes injuries sustained from being struck by moving vehicles, machinery or equipment. Getting struck by objects has the potential to cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or crushed bones.
4. Struck by Stationary Objects
There are also times when workers can be injured by ramming into stationary objects or tripping over debris. This often happens when objects are placed where they should not be placed. Another example of such accidents is when workers trip over debris or trash on stairways, aisles and walkways. Every effort must be made to ensure that locations where employees walk or move around are clear and free of debris.
5. Injuries Due to Overexertion
These types of injuries occur when workers strain too hard as they try to finish a task. Injuries such as strained or pulled muscles, joint issues or chronic pain are all examples of the types of issues that could be cause by overexertion. Workers should be provided with proper training on how to perform tasks such as heavy lifting and should also be given breaks to give their bodies a rest during the workday to avoid these types of debilitating injuries.
6. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries occur when workers perform the same tasks or movements repeatedly. By completing the same jobs repetitively, workers could experience deterioration of body parts including joints. One of the most common examples of repetitive motion injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve damage caused by repetitive motions. It affects a wide range of workers from factory or assembly line workers to those who work in an office. Workers should be provided with ergonomic equipment and regular breaks to help avoid repetitive motion injuries.
7. Entrapment in Equipment
These can be some of the most horrific injuries suffered in a workplace. This occurs when a worker's clothing, hair, limbs or other body parts get caught in moving equipment or machinery. Entanglement could result in injuries such as crushed bones, lost fingers, limbs or even death. Employees must be provided with proper training to operate machinery and personal protective equipment such as boots, goggles and other safeguards to protect them from serious injuries.
8. Electrocution
Electrocution at work is another common injury in workplaces where employees are exposed to dangerous power lines or utilities even though it could occur in any type of work environment. Proper precautions should be taken to make sure workers are not around live wires before they begin work. Workers should also receive protective clothing and equipment when they are working near electrical equipment.
9. Vehicle Accidents
If you have a job that uses vehicles, you know there is a potential for motor vehicle accident injuries. Car accident in construction zones, in ports, or other workplaces can lead to serious injuries. You also face a similar danger if you have to drive a lot for your job. Business that use vehicle fleets should address the issue of driver safety and make sure vehicles are properly maintained.
10. Workplace Violence
The threat of workplace violence is real in the United States. Some of the situations that often lead to workplace violence involve disgruntled workers. Workplace should provide active shooter training for employees and train supervisors on de-escalation tactics to help avoid these types of crisis situations.
If You Have Been Injured on the Job
If you have suffered an injury in the workplace, it is important that you understand your rights. Under California law, if you suffered your injury while on the job, you are entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits, which typically cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In addition, you may also be able to file a third-party claim against a party other than your employer seeking compensation for damages such as lost earning capacity and pain and suffering. An experienced California work injury lawyer in Los Angeles who will explore all possible options in your case and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Comments
There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.
Leave a Comment