Work accidents are no joke — they can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even death. Employers have a responsibility to their employees to keep them safe at work, but injuries can still happen when there is not enough training or lack of supervision, or proper equipment. Knowing some of the common workplace injuries that may affect your life or health, as well as ways to avoid them, can help you long term. Here is what you need to know about workplace injury.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries
There are a number of common types of workplace injuries. Although most cases are not serious, they can still have an impact on you and your work. The following are some of the most common types of workplace injuries:
Back injuries
These injuries occur when the spine is injured or strained in an accident. Back injuries can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord and nerves, leaving victims with debilitating pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
This condition occurs when pressure builds up in the wrist area due to repetitive tasks over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive tasks requiring forceful hand movements and tight grip strength for long periods.
Fractured bones
Fractures occur when bones break during an accident or fall from a height. They can range from minor bruises to broken limbs requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
Headaches
Headaches often result from a variety of causes, including dehydration, stress, fatigue, and overexertion. Injuries involving head trauma may include whiplash or concussion, which can cause dizziness, nausea, and even memory loss in some cases.
The Leading Causes of Workplace Injuries
The leading causes of workplace injuries are:
- Falls and slips: Falls, slips, and trips account for nearly 60% of industrial accidents. These are often caused by a lack of education and awareness at work, as well as poor footwear.
- Contractor errors: Contractor errors account for almost one-third of all workplace accidents. This includes mistakes made by employees or contractors who may not have been adequately trained.
- Errors in machinery: The second most common cause of workplace injury is machinery failure, which accounts for about a third of all injuries. There are several types of machinery that can cause serious injuries when they fail unexpectedly, such as chemical dispensers or forklifts.
What To Do Immediately Following a Workplace Injury
After a workplace injury, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. This is the most critical part of any workplace injury recovery, and even if you are not feeling any pain or discomfort, it is important that you seek medical attention. Even if all of your injuries appear minor at first, it’s important that you make sure that they don’t become worse. This is especially true if there are other people who were injured as well.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer for Workplace Injury
If you have been injured at work, you will need a lawyer to help you through the process. The law is complex, and you may deal with several agencies, including your employer and your union. You need someone who understands the law and knows how to navigate through this maze of agencies to get you what you deserve.
Many people out there just want to make money off people who have been injured on the job. They will promise you everything under the sun and then offer no help when it comes time to follow through on their promises. Don’t let them take advantage of you when it comes down to getting what is rightfully yours.
What if I Was Partly Responsible for My Own Injuries?
If you were partly responsible for your own injuries, then you may be able to recover damages from the third party. For example, if a forklift slammed into your leg and caused damage to your knee joint and cartilage, it is possible that the driver of the forklift could be liable for your injuries. If you were partially at fault for your workplace injuries and survived, consider speaking with an experienced injured workers compensation attorney to determine whether or not you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Like most safety topics, workplace injuries affect all areas of industry and all types of employees. If you or someone you know has been injured on the job, consult with work injury lawyers to learn more about your rights and how to move forward with any compensability claims.
