Workplace accidents are a common occurrence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that on average, workers experience 1,886 work-related injuries and illnesses each year. These injuries and illnesses can range from minor to serious, with the most severe cases resulting in permanent disabilities or death.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common workplace accidents and how you can prevent them from happening to you or your employees.
What is considered a workplace accident?
A workplace is a dangerous place. No matter how careful you are, there will always be a chance of an accident. In fact, accidents at work can be much more severe than those in your car or on the street.
A workplace accident is any personal injury or property damage that has resulted from an event that takes place at work. This could include things such as slips, trips, and falls; being struck by moving vehicles or equipment, and being exposed to hazardous conditions in the workplace. You can also be injured on the job if you are attacked by another person or animal while at work.
Workplace accidents can occur for many reasons: from faulty equipment to unsafe working conditions to unsafe behavior on the part of co-workers or management. If you are injured by an accident at work, it is important to understand your rights under state law and what steps you can take to recover damages for your injuries. If you are employed in Phoenix and unfortunately, got injured while at work, it’s best to get in touch with a phoenix workers compensation attorney asap!
Accidents can also cost businesses millions of dollars every year. If you’re interested in learning more about workplace accidents, keep reading to learn about the most common types of workplace accidents and their causes so that you can stay safe on the job!
The following are some of the most common workplace accidents:
Slips and Falls.
Slips and falls are one of the most common types of workplace accidents. Workers who do not wear proper footwear or who slip on wet floors are much more likely to suffer an injury or fall than those who do. Slip-and-fall injuries account for nearly half of all workplace injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Slips and falls can also be caused by inadequate lighting, which makes it difficult for workers to see where they are walking. In addition to wearing appropriate footwear, workers should also use caution when stepping into or out of equipment that has not been adequately maintained by management. If they do not use these tools properly, they could get hurt while working on projects around the office building.
Burns.
Burns are one of the most common workplace injuries, and for good reason: They can be extremely painful, and cause serious scarring. Burns also require medical treatment in order to heal properly. Burns may stem from hot liquids or steam, chemicals, electricity, and flames. They can occur due to a simple fall or slip in the workplace. Employers should take steps to prevent burns by ensuring that all equipment is maintained properly and employees follow safety protocols when working with hazardous materials or substances.
Cuts.
Cuts are often caused by machinery or other sharp objects that have been used improperly in the workplace. Employees should always wear protective gloves when handling sharp objects, such as knives or saws. Working around machinery should also be done carefully so that it is not accidentally bumped into or hit by another tool or object. Workers may also sustain cuts while using power tools such as drills or saws that have been used improperly or on accidentally damaged surfaces.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by repetitive stress injuries to the median nerve in your wrist. This is usually caused by typing, using tools, or other activities that place a lot of pressure on your wrists for long periods of time without rest periods. CTS can result in numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers and arms due to the pressure on your median nerve.
Musculoskeletal disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders are caused by repetitive motion injuries to various muscle groups throughout your body. These include strains, sprains, strains (specifically tendinitis), bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), back pain (specifically lumbar disc disease), arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis.
Vehicular Accidents.
Vehicles are the most common workplace accident. In fact, more than half of all work-related injuries and fatalities are due to vehicle accidents.
Vehicular accidents can happen anywhere, but they usually occur at the workplace. For example, an auto mechanic might be working on a car in his garage when another car pulls into the parking lot. The mechanic might accidentally bump or roll over a power cord while working on the engine, which then shorts out and causes an explosion that can injure both men. Or a forklift operator might be loading boxes onto a truck when he falls off of the forklift’s platform and hits his head on the pavement below.
The most common types of vehicular accidents include:
- Car accidents: These types of accidents occur when someone drives too fast or without regard for other people on the road. They can also occur if someone drives while distracted or impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Truck accidents: Trucks are large vehicles that carry heavy loads and pose a serious challenge for other drivers when it comes to maneuverability,visibility and speed.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycles are very maneuverable and can easily weave in and out of traffic at high speeds, but they also tend to be less visible than cars and trucks because they’re smaller and not as reflective as headlights or taillights can make them appear during daylight hours.
Electrical shocks.
Electrical shocks can occur from a faulty electrical cord or from contact between electrical cords and metal objects such as pipes or boxes in an office building. Employees must be trained about proper handling of electrical cords so they do not cause an electrical shock when working with them on their job sites.
What to do when injured at work?
First, call your employer’s insurer to find out how much medical care they will cover. If you are injured on the job, it may be necessary to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive coverage for medical costs.
Next, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You will need to provide your doctor with information about your injury, including any symptoms that may have developed since you were injured and whether or not there are any changes in your ability to perform basic tasks like walking and lifting objects.
Finally, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help guide you through the legal process and make sure that your rights are protected.
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Credits to Jason M. Ferguson
Jason M. Ferguson, the founder of Ferguson Law Group, started his career working for an automobile insurance company as a trial attorney before owning his injury law firm for over 20 years. Attorney Ferguson has a unique experience, having tried cases on both sides of the court system in personal injury trials, unlike many other lawyers. Mr. Ferguson also served over 14 years as an Army Reserve officer and the Georgia Air National Guard. The Albany Herald recognized him as one of southwest Georgia’s “40 under 40” in 2010.
