No matter what industry you work in, there’s a possibility you could become injured on the job. In fact, workplace injuries account for $250 billion and $350 billion a year in spending. While it can be easy to think it can never happen to you, the fact remains that it can and when you least expect it. Whether you’ve already fallen victim or just want to do what you can to minimize your risks, the Workplace Safety Index developed by researchers provides you with the top ten injuries to establish precautions for.
1. Repetition
There are many jobs that require repetitive actions. From typing on a computer to answering phones and more, these jobs may not seem dangerous on the surface. However, repetitive motions can manifest into serious, long-term consequences over time. Many a Workers’ Compensation attorney has successfully prosecuted for this seemingly innocuous category of injury.
2. Improper Training
If you work in an industry that requires the use of heavy equipment or other tools that require special training, it’s important that you’re properly trained as the lack of thorough training can result in serious injury to the user and others.
3. Automobile Accident
A large number of worker’s compensation claims are the result of an automobile accident involving the use of a company vehicle. When this occurs, the injured party has the possibility of filing both for worker’s compensation as well as personal injury compensation.
4. Unblocked Hindrances
We’ve all done it, but not necessarily on the job. Running into something such as a chair, desk, or piece of equipment can cause significant injuries when the circumstances are wrong.
5. Hit By Falling Object
This situation literally hits you when you least expect it, and it happens more often than we give it credit for. Whether something falls from above, swings in hits you from the side, or otherwise comes out of nowhere on the job, you may have a valid worker’s compensation claim.
6. Slip and Fall
It’s important that businesses provide warnings of dangerous areas on the job site. Failure to do so can and often does result in a slip and fall accident that can impact both employees and customers alike. Even if there’s not a hindrance or obstacle in the path, this could still qualify for compensation.
7. Fall on the Same Level
Similar to point number six, a fall on the same level consists of the employee sustaining slip-and-fall injuries as a result of slipping over something that was in their path.
8. Fall to Lower Level
This type of fall is the result of that pesky gravitational force. For example, if an employee falls off of a ladder or from a rooftop, they could potentially receive compensation benefits if the company is at fault for failing to provide proper safety measures.
9. Overexertion
While the human body is amazing and capable of a number of amazing feats, it’s important to understand that it does have limitations, and these are often pushed above and beyond on the job. Especially relevant in industries focused on manual labor, just a few common actions that can result in overexertion include:
- Pushing
- Pulling
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Tossing or holding heavy objects
10. Assault and Other Violent Acts
While this doesn’t happen often, it’s important to understand that human emotions can get the best of us even if we’re at work. Therefore, if a fight breaks out at the workplace, it’s possible for innocent parties to receive compensation for the injuries they sustained.
In all cases, you need an expert Workers’ Compensation attorney. And you’ve found it at Tate Law Group. Mark Tate and his staff have been working as Workers’ Compensation Attorney representatives for a long time here in Savannah. Call us or click on our main page to see more about what a Workers’ Compensation Attorney can do for you.