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FIVE COMMON WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS

Occupational health and safety should be a priority for every employer. Whether your work involves the use of hardy tools and equipment, or you spend most of the time working at your desk, it’s important for you to be safe from common workplace accidents. Workplace surfaces, tools, material, and gear or lack thereof can harm an employee, causing them severe injuries or even death. Therefore, it is necessary to be keen at work to avoid these injuries.

However, you may end up suffering injuries due to the company's negligence. Injuries can arise from defective machines, improper lighting, lack of protective equipment, or even uneven surfaces. If this happens, you may require a personal injury lawyer to help you file for compensation.

Injuries that happen at workplaces may cause the injured employees massive losses. Read on for five common workplace accidents and how to avoid them.

1. Trips, Slips, and Falls

Trips, slips, and falls in workplaces are some of the most common workplace accidents topping the list in compensation claims. Injuries sustained from these misfortunes include head injuries, broken bones, back and neck injuries, pulled muscles, and sprains. These accidents mostly occur due to slippery surfaces, wet or oily floors, icy areas, low lighting, items lying on floors, and uneven walkways.

To prevent such accidents, experts recommend keeping workplace surfaces clean at all times, have good lighting in pathways and working areas, and have proper protective equipment for all staff, and proper signage, especially in factories. If your employer fails to provide these safety features, you may be able to prove negligence and get your well-deserved compensation.

1. Vehicle Accidents

Most workplaces have vehicles to deliver finished goods to clients, bring in raw materials, or staff use. Like any other road accidents, vehicle accidents may happen at workplaces leading to injuries or death. Drivers and their loaders might even get into accidents while on the road running company errands.

To reduce the frequency and severity of vehicle accidents, each one needs to take precautionary measures and follow the set traffic rules. Companies should make straightforward routes for vehicles within the company premises. Additionally, companies should ensure all vehicles are well maintained and serviced.

1. Machine Accidents

Machine accidents happen mostly in industries and farms. For instance, a machine operator may get cut, pushed, or even crushed by a moving machine or its parts. Others get exposed to moving parts, while others get injured by cut pieces when working without personal protective equipment (PPE). Many people have had their hands and legs crushed or fingers chopped, among many other possible injuries.

One of the best ways to prevent machine accidents is by ensuring that only trained staff handles the machines, using protective gear, and including functional emergency stops to machines to avoid injuries. Also, any dangerous and exposed machine must be covered as required to avoid any incidents. The machines should also be frequently serviced and maintained. 

1. Explosions and Fire

Explosions and fires are common in industries, especially those dealing with highly-flammable materials and chemicals. The accidents may result from leaking gas lines, improper handling, or storage of high-risk materials, open flames, or wrong usage of the materials. Injuries sustained may include burns, suffocation, and disfigurement.

To prevent this, companies must ensure that there is appropriate signage and ensure a trained expert carries out every process. There should also be safety measures, including emergency exits, and enough and effective protective gear at all times. Maintenance of lines and machines must be a priority.

1. Stress and Overexertion

Too much work, stress, and depression lead to both mental and body injuries. In most cases, overworked employees complain of backbone injuries, headaches, and depression resulting from toxic working conditions.

Companies must invest in better working conditions for their employees, including lifting machines for heavier goods, rest days, lenient working hours, and reasonable duties. There should be breaks for someone to stretch and regenerate during working hours.

Take Caution to Avoid Workplace Injuries

Suffering workplace injuries can lead to partial or permanent disability or spending some days in the hospital with no salary. Therefore, it’s advisable to be on the lookout for any potential dangers to save yourself from the turmoil of getting injured.

However, if it happens you get injured while at work, it's essential that you get an injury lawyer who will represent you in workplace injury claims and ensure that you get compensated accordingly.

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