The employer is obliged by law to provide a safe work environment and inform you about any health and safety issues that may affect you, characterized as common types of workplace accidents.
By carrying out the risk assessment and consulting experts employers make plans on how to reduce any risk factors at the workplace, provide necessary training and proper protective equipment.
However, work accidents still happen even though all proper precaution measures have been taken. But there are ways to protect yourself, and the first thing to do is to inform yourself not only on the obligations of your employer but also what could you do to protect yourself.
1. Slips and Falls
Falling from heights such as ladders or stairways is usually caused by a slip or faulty equipment. Proper personal protection gear, training, and good maintenance of the equipment can reduce these types of accidents.
“A great number of work accidents happen due to wet and slippery floors and things laying on the floor”.
In order to avoid possible slips, it is necessary to ensure that all spillages are cleaned up as soon as they happen and that all obstructions that could cause an accident are removed.
Slips and falls at the workplace are the leading cause of broken bones, head injuries, and back injuries.
2. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Over the years this type of injury has become increasingly common. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as typing, repetitive activity, and poor posture.
The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, but it can also cause vision problems and “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome“.
These common types of workplace accidents can be prevented by using proper ergonomic equipment and regular exercises.
3. Fallen Objects
Very serious injuries, such as head injuries can be caused by objects that are dropped by another person or that fall from shelves.
Key to preventing these types of injuries are keeping a safe work environment, using personal protection gear, and employee’s wariness.
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4. Exposure to Loud Noise
Exposure to excessive noise over long periods of time can significantly damage a person’s ability to hear.
Hearing damage that is caused by noise is unfortunately irreversible. However, it can be managed with adequate hearing aids.
Using safety measures like ear muffs and earplugs can help to prevent such injuries.
5. Electric Shock
Workers who deal specifically with electricity have an increased risk of electrocution or electric shock. Injuries related to electrical hazards like getting shocked or burned are often serious and could be fatal.
In order to protect employees, the employer must respect provided laws and regulations regarding safe work areas for electricians.
In order to protect yourself, report all unsafe conditions or equipment to your supervisor.
6. Vehicle Accidents
People who operate motorized vehicles or drive for business purposes can be severely injured if the vehicle turns over or in auto accidents that can be fatal.
To prevent these types of injuries employers should implement safe driving policies and provide safe-drive training if necessary.
7. Machine Malfunctions
If machinery at the workplace is not properly maintained or used it can be a cause of serious workplace accidents such as fires and explosions.
Workers injured in this type of accident are exposed to the risk of amputation, scarring, and burns. These types of accidents can be avoided if machinery is maintained properly.
Also, it is important to use proper protection and provide training for workers who are operating dangerous machinery.
People who work in an industrial environment and operate heavy machinery are not the only ones at the risk of a workplace injury. Even office workers and teachers are now at risk from various safety incidents.
“If you have been injured in the workplace accident make sure to contact an experienced lawyer in order to inform yourself about your rights to compensation claims”.
By doing this you will ensure that all your medical bills related to a workplace injury are covered and that you receive disability income while you recover.
The most common reasons for filing worker’s compensation claims are workplace accidents, usually caused by negligent activities.
The employer who fails to provide workers with a safe work environment may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
However, ensuring a safe work environment is not the only the responsibility of the employer, each employee also has a responsibility to take caution when on the job.
Maintaining awareness of your surroundings at work, wearing provided protective equipment, and keeping a clean and safe work area is the best you can do to prevent common types of workplace accidents, and stay safe.