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.