The dynamic environment of workplaces, irrespective of their nature, carries with them a mix of potential risks. A foundational understanding of the most frequent accidents is paramount for preemptive measures. This knowledge not only aids workers in being more cautious but also prompts employers to institute rigorous checks, ensuring that potential hazard zones within the workspace remain secure.
Drawing insights from the recent data of the Workplace Safety Index, let’s delve into the primary culprits behind workplace injuries. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 if you require a free legal consultation with a workers compensation attorney.
The Leading Five Workplace Injuries
- Muscular Fatigue and Overexertion: Continuous strain, especially in roles requiring repetitive lifting, pulling, or carrying, can cause severe muscular injuries. Workers, especially those handling shipments or heavy cargo, often grapple with such issues. The ramifications of these injuries, like a herniated disc, can be profound, sidelining an employee for extended durations.
- Mishaps from Slips or Trips: One of the predominant causes of workplace injuries arises from cluttered areas or slick surfaces. Surprisingly, many of these mishaps transpire within office environments, where obscured cables or misplaced items become unsuspecting hazards.
- High-altitude Falls: More severe than ground-level falls, though somewhat rarer, are accidents resulting from considerable heights. Such falls, generally from elevations exceeding 10 feet or spanning multiple floors, culminate in exorbitant medical expenses annually. This underscores the need for utmost vigilance among professionals like construction workers navigating elevated platforms.
- Adverse Physical Responses: Chronic stress or sustained unfavorable postures can precipitate detrimental physical outcomes. Consider the scenario of an individual confined to a desk for prolonged durations; the lack of mobility can trigger leg issues attributed to compromised circulation.
- Impact from Falling Items: Objects plummeting from a height or errant debris become perilous missiles, jeopardizing the safety of workers below. This risk is particularly pronounced among retail personnel, who, without protective gear like hard hats, become vulnerable to goods tumbling from elevated storage. Such incidents can, in severe cases, lead to conditions like traumatic brain injuries.
Charting the Next Steps After a Workplace Injury
Experiencing any of the above-highlighted workplace setbacks? Feel that your concerns are being downplayed by your employer, notwithstanding the frequency of such incidents? It’s imperative to acknowledge your rights and seek expert counsel.
At PLBH, our dedicated team of workers’ compensation attorneys is poised to leverage their vast experience for your benefit. Whether you’re recuperating at home, in the hospital, or even at work, we’re here to elucidate your rights and chart the way forward for your workers’ comp claim. Don’t navigate these waters alone; let us be your guiding beacon. Call us now at (800) 435-7542.