Common Types of Workplace Accidents

An accident-free work environment not only provides a comfortable space for staff to function but also results in enhanced productivity. However, while some professions certainly carry more risk factors than others, no work environment is completely immune to the potential occurrence of accidents.

Whether they are significant disasters or minor mishaps, occupational hazards cannot be overlooked. Explore the common types of accidents that often occur at workplaces.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Many claims for worker's compensation result from accidents involving slips, trips, and falls in a work environment. Since they can occur at any time and location, these mishaps can be a huge worry for businesses and their staff.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), lack of traction, uneven floors, abrupt changes in flooring or steps, and inappropriate housekeeping are the leading causes of slips, trips, and falls.

One of the most lethal kinds of falls occurs from a great height to a lower level. This is a common hazard when working at heights, such as on rooftops or in the construction of tall buildings. Employers must equip workers with proper fall protection gear in these circumstances to avoid accidents and preserve lives.

Overexertion

Overexertion happens when an individual does too much of something physically demanding without adequate rest. Many occupations include prolonged physical activity on the part of workers, which can wear people out and increase the risk of mistakes and injuries. This is a common problem in any profession that requires prolonged or repeated bending, kneeling, or other similar motions.

Overexertion injuries, such as strained muscles and repetitive strain injuries (RSI), are prevalent and can lead to chronic pain and a loss of productivity. These injuries are often the result of improper lifting skills, the constant repetition of light tasks without pauses, or the lifting of big goods by hand. Overexertion injuries can occur even when performing routine chores like typing or using a mouse without adequate ergonomics.

Harmful Exposure

Workplace hazards, such as exposure to potentially dangerous substances or situations, are a major cause for concern for the health and safety of employees. Lack of training is a leading cause of accidental exposure to hazardous materials. Employers must inform workers of the dangers they face on the job and the measures they can take to avoid harm. They might not know how to handle dangerous items, which could lead to incidents.

Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) is another source of exposure in the workplace. When employees are working in potentially dangerous conditions, employers must supply them with protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and earplugs. Workers are at danger of injury from noise and chemical exposure without the necessary PPE.

Impact and Collisions

Trucks and forklifts, among others, pose a significant threat to workers if operated carelessly or by someone without adequate training. Fractures, amputated limbs, and brain damage are just some of the possible outcomes of crashes, collisions, and other occurrences involving motorized land vehicles, whether they occur on or off the road.

Strike-by incidents are another significant source of workplace impacts and collisions. Workers get hurt in this mishap if they collide with anything that is not moving, such as a stationary object or a piece of equipment. Depending on the severity of the collision, the injuries sustained in such incidents might range from relatively moderate bruising to life-threatening head and body trauma.

Businesses must implement effective safety measures to reduce the likelihood of workplace incidents and effects. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that employees who use motor vehicles have received proper training and are adhering to all safety regulations. Preventing equipment failures that could result in injuries requires routine servicing and checks.

If you are the victim of workplace negligence leading to any of these workplace incidents, contact us at Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi for legal representation in Marlton, NJ.