Every occupational accident is unique in some way. Nevertheless, some types of work-related accidents happen more frequently than others.
This discussion explores some of the more common workplace accidents and how to avoid them.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Most people have lost their footing on a slippery or uneven surface. Most of the time, we can recover without injury. However, slipping happens quite a bit on job sites where the ground is slick or otherwise difficult to navigate. These places can include construction areas, warehouses, restaurants, and food processing plants.\
To avoid slip and fall accidents, always wear proper footwear and avoid walking on surfaces that have been just cleaned or contain tripping hazards. You may also need to slow down to lessen the likelihood of pitching forward or backward.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Many workers make the same movements every day. For instance, an administrative assistant might type most of the day at a computer. A warehouse team member may move items to and from shelves for eight hours. In time, these repetitive motions can irritate soft tissues and nerves, leading to problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or difficulty raising a hand above a certain height.
One method to reduce repetitive injury problems is to take frequent breaks from repetitive motion activities. Stretching and working with ergonomically safer equipment can also benefit workers at risk of repetitive motion concerns.
Car, Truck, and Other Vehicle-Related Accidents
Plenty of employees drive vehicles as part of their jobs. From forklifts to tractor-trailers, all vehicles can get into accidents. Those accidents can be serious or even fatal.
Driving safely on the job means following all the basic rules of the road. It also means driving while alert and avoiding distractions. Additionally, all equipment should be properly monitored to ensure it is safe to use from day to day. No one should operate any vehicles without adequate training and, if necessary, credentials.
Being Struck by Objects or Entangled in Equipment
Getting hit by a flying object and getting trapped in machinery are other common types of workplace accidents. Typically, they happen in places with a lot of physical movement. For that reason, factory workers, road crews, and team members with similarly physical jobs are more apt to experience these kinds of injuries.
Having the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and other gear can protect against some of these concerns. So can following protocols and not rushing. Also, new employees should have proper training and experience before being allowed to work machinery on their own.
Workplace Violence
Unfortunately, workplace violence consistently tops the list as one of the biggest reasons for work accidents. Workplace violence can come from humans or animals. For example, getting bitten by a dog while working on a homeowner’s property can be considered an act of on-the-job violence.
Human-related workplace violence may be mitigated with proper managerial and personnel training and oversight. Animal violence can be a little more challenging to control. However, workers who come in regular contact with animals, even domesticated ones, can practice safe responses if they find themselves in challenging situations.
What Should Workers Do after Being Injured?
It would be wonderful if employees were never hurt while on the job. Yet it can happen, even if you are careful and follow all the rules that your employer puts in place.
In that situation, you have the right to submit a Workers’ Compensation claim. Workers’ Compensation helps cover the cost of your medical bills and some of your lost wages. If you have trouble getting your claim approved, you may want to discuss your situation with a Workers’ Compensation lawyer.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Fight for Injured Employees
If you are struggling to collect Workers’ Compensation benefits after a workplace accident, reach out to the experienced Downingtown Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC. Our legal team will protect your rights and fight to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 for a free consultation today. We are located in Exton, Pennsylvania, where we serve clients throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.