February 8, 2022 | Workers' compensation

Work-related fatalities and injuries have decreased over the years. This is largely thanks to the application of stringent health and safety measures in the workplace. However, risk still exists even in the safest work environment. Hundreds of thousands of workers suffer work-related injuries annually. Below we outline some of the most common work-related injuries and how a workers compensation lawyer can help.

Common workplace injuries

1. Slip, trip and fall injuries

These are the most common types of injuries for which workers file workers’ compensation claims. Examples of these injuries include:

• Workers falling of ladders, scaffolding or roofs in construction sites
• Workers slip on wet floors
• Workers tripped by uneven rugs, holes or clutter in the workplace
• Workers tripping due to working in poorly lit areas.

These types of accidents can be avoided by being more aware of your surroundings. It is also important for employers to take note of possibly dangerous situations and ensure they are eliminated or adequate warning is provided.

2. Muscle strains

Muscle strains are a common workplace injury that often results from pushing the muscles beyond their limit. For example, you can suffer muscle strain from lifting a very heavy object. You may also suffer muscle strain from maintaining awkward positions such as bending or twisting.

Muscle strains can be very painful and debilitating injuries. They can be avoided by providing basic training on the use of proper technique in lifting as well as providing employees with equipment to assist with lifting heavy objects.

3. Repetitive strain injuries

These injuries occur when workers are engaged in repetitive motions. Muscles and joints are put under extreme strain in order to perform repetitive tasks. Repetitive motions may include typing at your keyboard the whole day, performing micro tasks on a factory assembly line or packing boxes.

These injuries can be avoided by encouraging workers to take frequent breaks. The strain may also be alleviated by investing in ergonomic equipment such as ergonomic seats.

4. Struck by falling objects

Many workers are victims of falling objects. Objects may fall from high places such as cupboards, warehouse shelves or construction sites and cause injuries. The severity of the injury depends on the type of object, the height from which it fell and what part of the body it hit. Falling objects can result in a variety of types of injuries including severed limbs, stress fractures, traumatic brain injuries and more.

These injuries can be avoided by being more aware of your surroundings. Policies and procedures can also be used to avoid unnecessary hazards e.g. adhering to proper standards for stacking objects. Employees should be required to wear personal protective equipment such as hardhats.

5. Crashes and collisions

Workers that drive vehicles or work around them are at risk of getting hurt in collisions or crashes. Collisions and crashes may occur as a result of:

• Intoxication of operators
• Lack of proper training
• Faulty equipment
• Overtired drivers
• Poor weather conditions and much more

Employers must establish safety procedures to ensure proper operation of vehicles. They should also maintain their vehicles and provide their employees with adequate training.

6. Fires and explosions

Fires can result in burns to the body tissues. They can also cause damage to your respiratory system. Fires and explosions are not limited to industrial workplaces. They can occur in any workplace that has flammable material.

These types of injuries can be avoided by establishing strict policies to prevent the occurrence and spread of fire. Workers in high risk areas ought to be provided with adequate personal protective equipment.

7. Cuts and lacerations

These can range from minor cuts such as a cut while using a kitchen knife to serious injuries that occur when using heavy equipment such as power saws. These types of injuries can be the result of poor training, failure to wear protective equipment or inadequate safety procedures.

These injuries can be avoided by taking precaution while working with sharp implements and equipment. Employees should be trained to use equipment properly and avoid serious injuries.

8. Exposure to toxic substances

Work environments may contain hazardous chemicals that can be toxic. Exposure to these substances can result in injury to the ears, skin and eyes. Inhaling toxic fumes may result in injury to the respiratory system.

These accidents can be avoided by training employees on the proper handling of toxic substances. Employees should also be provided with personal protective equipment to protect themselves.

Hire a workers compensation lawyer

If you have been injured in a work related incident, it is important that you hire a workers compensation lawyer. Your attorney will help you seek compensation for your injuries and other damages including loss of wages. They will fight on your behalf to ensure you get maximum compensation. With the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney, you can pursue other sources of funds aside from workers’ compensation.

Contact us to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

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