2 Workplace Accidents And How To Prevent Them

Workplace injuries occur all too frequently. In some cases, workers go to work in the morning and never come home as a result of fatal on-the-job injuries. It is an employer's responsibility to ensure that employees have a safe environment to work in, but it is also up to an employee to ensure that they are taking precautionary measures while working. Here are a couple of the most common workplace accidents/injuries and how they can be prevented.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

One of the most common accidents in the workplace are associated with slips, trips, and falls. The types of injuries that occur from these types of workplace accidents include head and back injuries, cuts and lacerations, pulled muscles, sprains, and broken bones.

Generally, slip accidents occur as a result of occasional spills, wet/oily surfaces, loose rugs or mats, lack of traction on the flooring, or weather hazards. More often than not, trip accidents occur due to poor lighting, wrinkled carpeting, obstructed view, clutter, uneven walking surfaces, or uncovered cables.

To prevent these types of accidents, it will take three main things: proper footwear, adequate walking surfaces, and quality housekeeping. In addition, employees should take their time when walking, pay attention to where they are going, and report incidents—spillage, clutter, obstructions, damage—when they occur.

2. Musculoskeletal Disorders

These are probably the most expensive workplace-related injuries, often costing billions of dollars for employers. However, for employees, the financial impact is even more severe because of the long-term effects. Overexertion often occurs as a result of lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, holding, and throwing. Repetitive stress injuries occur as a result of doing the same motion over and over, resulting in severe wear and tear on the body.

The causes of these injuries can come from improper lifting, manually lifting heavy objects, not having breaks, intensive keying, and more. The key to preventing these injuries is ergonomics—ensuring the body and job fit with one another. Workers in positions that require repetitive motion or tasks that overexert themselves need short breaks often to stretch and rest. If lifting over 50 pounds, mechanical lifting equipment needs to be provided.

If you have been injured while at work, it may be possible to get compensation during your time off. However, workers' compensation claims can be particularly tricky, and can often be denied when the paperwork is filled out wrong. Reach out a workers' compensation law office like Spooner & Perkins P.C. Attorneys at Law to discuss the details of your case and to get help filling out the paperwork.