Common Workplace Accidents

Occupational Statistics

Physical, mental, or occupational diseases are common workplace injuries that affect many workers in the United State every day. Workplace accidents may occur off or on the company’s premises and can also include negligence caused by a third party’s actions or recklessness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics for the US Department of Labor (BLS), states that in 2017, approximately 2.8 million injuries and illnesses were reported. A total of 5,190 workers died from a work-related injury or illness in the US in 2016. Different job industries expose distinct job hazards in the workplace.
 
Although some accidents cannot be predicted, the employer and employee can take precaution to ensure a safe working environment. Let’s take a closer look at common workplace accidents and how to avoid them.
 

Common Workplace Accidents

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
One-third of injuries at work are from slips, trips, and falls. From unattended spills on the floor to tripping on exposed cords and objects, or even falling from a ladder/ chair, can result in a catastrophic injury or death. Employees should immediately report any areas that may be hazardous to others, in order to avoid or minimize unsafe settings.

2. Faulty Machinery & Equipment
The employer has the duty to provide employees with safe and reliable equipment that is used on the job.
Machinery that does not have proper guards in place or tampered emergency lock-out functions, can lead to injuries such as crushed hands and arms, severed fingers, amputations, and even death. Unfortunately, the nature of these accidents is partly due to insufficient training or employee error.

3. Repetitive Injury
Many employees are not just subject to a single incident-related injury. Cumulative injuries due to repetitive movements can also be job-related. Situations such as repetitive clerical duties, scanning, hammering, and lifting are all examples of continuous activities that can lead to injuries that result over time. Speak to your employer to make an ergonomic assessment, to make a more comfortable workstation.

4. Transportation-Related Accidents
Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of work-related deaths. An employee driving for a company encounters many risks associated with accidents on the road. Some of the risks include driving through poor weather conditions, experiencing mechanical failures, and coming in contact with a negligent driver. As reported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there were over 25,000 work-related motor vehicle deaths in the United States from 2003 – 2016.

5. Exposure to Fumes and Noises
Your working environment may contain hazardous substances such as gases, vapors, and fumes. Without the use of proper equipment such as gloves, goggles, or facial masks, your eyes, skin, and breathing may be in jeopardy. Noisy work conditions can cause major harm gradually over time. Take safety measures and ask your employer to provide protective equipment if none has been provided.
 

Notify Your Employer

Accidents in the workplace can be caused by the mistakes of a careless employee, or the negligent acts of an employer. When employers get caught up in delivering results or increasing productivity, they occasionally supply improper equipment or tools to carry out the assignment effectively. Nonetheless, if there is an injury resulting from your scope of employment, report the injury to the employer immediately upon knowledge.

Inform the doctor that your injury occurred during the course of your employment. Furthermore, ensure that your medical records include all the medical complaints associated with your injury. Lastly, make sure your employer informs you of any workers compensation coverage you may be entitled to recover from. Be an advocate for other employees and use this information to avoid common workplace accidents.
 

Experienced Work Injury Lawyers

Have you been injured during the scope of your work? An occupational injury can lead to permanent disabling injuries and loss of earning capacity. Turn to our exceptional team of experienced personal injury lawyers at Sweet Law Group. Let our experienced lawyers fight for you and achieve the compensation you deserve. Don’t fight this alone. Call our offices today for a free, no-obligation consultation – (800) 203-3061.