Tag Archives: collisions

THE TEN MOST COMMON INJURIES SUFFERED AT WORK (GUEST POST)

Every day we go to work and assume that we will return home safely again at the end of the day.  Unfortunately this isn’t always the case.

Many people are seriously injured and sometimes killed at work, doing the job they are paid to do. Sometimes this is due to accidents and sometimes it can be due to negligence or lack of care.  Here are some of the most popular types of injury in the work place over recent years.

Overexertion Injuries

Physical activity such as pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing can all take their toll. Overexertion is ranked annually as one of the most common forms of workplace injury and account for millions in benefit costs every year.

Slips and Trips

Slips and trips can happen anywhere, but in the workplace the problem is more acute. Wet and slippery floors or objects left lying around can all contribute, but it is often up to the employer to ensure that spills are promptly cleaned and no debris is present which can be dangerous.

Collisions

This happens when a person accidentally collides with an object such as a wall, door, cabinet, windows, table, chair etc, resulting in an impact injury. An employee’s diligence and the employer keeping the work environment free from hazards are key to preventing these types of injuries, which account for thousands of lost hours per year.

Falls

Falls from an elevated area such as roofs, ladders, and stairways can cause serious injury and are very common in work environments such as factories and warehouses.  They can be caused by slips and falls or due to faulty equipment.  These types of accidents can be reduced by the use of proper personal protection gear, training and employee diligence.

Vehicle Accidents

Employees who drive for a living, such as taxi and bus drivers, are always at risk of being involved in an accident due to the amount of time they spend on the road. They are still entitled to as much protection as anyone else however, as they are technically in their place of work. Also, people using equipment such as forklift trucks and cranes can also be injured or even killed if not given the correct tuition.

Machine accidents

Usually occurring in a factory environment, where heavy equipment and machinery are used, clothing, shoes, fingers and hair can easily be trapped or caught; leading to serious injuries. The appropriate personal protective equipment and training should always be provided.  Leave the jewelry at home, and if you have long hair, tie it up.

Acts of violence

As bizarre as it sounds, attacks and other arguments can lead to serious physical injuries. Workplace violence, employee training and employee diligence can help keep these incidents at bay. As well as employee-on-employee violence, customer violence towards staff often contributes towards workplace injuries, a matter which many companies are taking more and more seriously.

Falling objects

Head injuries are often caused by falling objects, whether it’s from shelving, scaffolding or ladders. Employee diligence and employer focus are key to preventing these types of injuries from happening regularly. PPE such as hard hats can be instrumental in keeping incidents like this to a minimum.

Hearing loss

Constant exposure to loud noise can result in significantly reduced hearing. The effect can be subtle and gradual. Basic safety measures such as ear protection and ambient noise barriers can eliminate this injury from any workplace.

Burns

Burns are often caused by chemicals used in industrial settings such as labs or factories. They can also be inflicted by equipment that has become overheated; welding torches, irons and even a kitchen kettle. Clearly visible warning signs can go a long way to prevent such injuries occurring.

Matthew Crist is a journalist and blogger who takes accidents in the workplace very seriously. He has written this blog in conjunction with Minnesota personal injury lawyers – TSR Injury Law.

ROAD ACCIDENT: INJURY COMPENSATION FOR CYCLISTS (GUEST POST)

Road accident: Injury compensation for cyclists

Cycling in the city: Good for the environment, good for your fitness, and sometimes a great way to beat the congestion in the morning rush hour. Nevertheless, city cycling can be hazardous and cyclists are particularly vulnerable sharing the road with much larger more powerful vehicles.

Thousands of cyclists are injured on the roads of the UK every year, sometimes fatally, and often through no fault of their own. Carefully following the rules of the road, and wearing appropriate safety gear and lighting should always be a priority if you are a cyclist, however accidents can still happen as a result of negligence on the part of other road users. If you are involved in a collision with another vehicle and it wasn’t your fault then you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim to compensate you for your injury and any financial losses that you incur.

If you are suffer a collision with a vehicle and you find yourself well enough to do so, you or someone acting on your behalf should exchange details with the other party, and note down as much information as possible regarding the nature of the collision. Photographic evidence can be particularly useful in establishing who was liable for the collision. If you are not well enough to take the details of the other person involved in the collision the police will usually do this for you.

If your claim is successful the amount of compensation that you receive for your injury will depend on a range of factors including the severity of the injury and the level of impact that it has had on your life as well as any financial losses that resulted from your accident.

The sooner you are able to begin the process of making a claim, the more successful it is likely to be. Making a compensation claim doesn’t have to be difficult or complex. If you’re wondering how to make a personal injury claim a specialist personal injury solicitor can help assess whether you are eligible, and proceed to guide you through the entire process, from obtaining the appropriate medical examinations to providing comprehensive legal advice.

A combination of the widespread introduction of inner city cycle lanes and increasingly congested roads across the UK have perhaps contributed to the rising popularity of pedal cycling. In spite of greater awareness on the part of motorists, the cyclist remains a very vulnerable road user. Protecting yourself should be paramount, but no matter what you do accidents may sometimes happen. If you sustain an injury through no fault of your own, making a personal injury claim can help you get the compensation that you deserve. 

This post was written by John Hughes

P.S. If I may add to this informative article, in addition to wearing all the safety gear that protects from injuries, certain high-visibility stickers placed on the bicycle or helmet may help prevent an accident, as well.

TIME TO WARN DRIVERS TO WATCH FOR DEER!

Last year, we posted an article “Don’t Veer for Deer!” and it’s time again to remind you to be watchful for our four-legged friends.  Apart from humans, these beautiful creatures are the mostly deadly animals in the U.S.   According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there are approximately 1.5 million car-deer collisions in the U.S. annually, causing around $1 billion in losses.  These accidents cause around 10,000 persons to suffer personal injury, averaging 150 fatalities each year. 

It’s not the fault of the deer; urban sprawl is taking over their habitat in many parts of the country.  Combining hunting season with deer breeding season increases the number of deer moving about.  State Transportation Agencies post deer crossing signs in heavy populated deer environments.  High fences are another deterrent for deer; however, these prove to be very expensive.   Deer are spooked by the sound of their hooves on pavement, become blinded by car lights, and cannot judge the speed or distance of vehicles.  They are very nocturnal animals, and are busy foraging for food. 

Here’s some helpful reminders for all of us during this season, as we travel down the highways or country roads:

  • Slow down and be attentive.
  • Remember, dawn and dusk are prevalent times of day when deer are active.
  • Don’t rely on deer whistles; they have been proven to not be efective.
  • If you see a deer approaching your lane, do not swerve; many deaths  have occurred when vehicles veered into other cars, or flipped out of control.
  • Again, brake and hold the wheel straight!
  • Avoid rural roads as much as possible.
  • Ask your passenger to help you watch for them.
  •  Keep your lights on high beam in order to be able to see the side of the road better.
  • If you injure a deer, do not attempt to help it.  Pull over, and call he police or highway patrol.  Animals that are hurt may hurt you!

No one wants to kill an animal with their car; however, it is better that the animal is killed or injured, rather than humans.   The number of collisions with deer has grown 21% in the last five years, according to a report from State Farm Insurance.  Deer populations in the suburbs are growing, where hunting is prohibited, thus offering a safe haven to deer. 

A friend told me that she loved deer until she got a job that required her to travel around 90 miles round trip every day in deer country.  She swears that they hit her, and others have told me the same thing.  So, be watchful when you are traveling in their habitat.  Fall is deer mating season, so they aren’t too concerned with traffic.  A collision with a large deer can be dangerous for everyone in the vehicle. 

(I still love deer, and hope one never hits me!)  October through December are the months with the highest number of deer-car collisions.  Then it begins to taper off through January and February.  Please drive with care.