Types of Workplace Injuries

Types of Workplace Injuries
According to OSHA statistics, 2.8 of every 100 workers in the U.S. suffered a workplace injury or accident in 2017, and 14 workers died each day that year from fatal workplace accidents. While these numbers have vastly improved over the last few decades, the numbers show that both business owners and workers still need more knowledge, awareness, and precautions against the sources of workplace accidents and injuries.

Los Angeles workplace accident attorneys are there to help after an injury occurs, but being armed with knowledge is a powerful prevention tool. Here are 10 of the most common workplace accidents and injuries:

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
   Whether you work behind a desk in an office or on the floor of a mechanic shop, you’ll likely encounter slippery surface and trip-obstacles in your workplace. Falls are an even bigger risk for those that work at heights, such as from a ladder, scaffolding, or other platform that’s even a few feet off the ground. Any height elevation increases the impact of a fall and the likelihood for workplace head injuries and broken bones that may leave you needing a workplace injury lawyer Los Angeles.
2. Muscular Strains
   Muscles can become strained, even torn, during heavy and improper lifting. The back is most prone, but you can suffer a muscle strain in any muscle. Attention to proper lifting techniques and stressing team lifting for heavy loads goes a long way in preventing this workplace injury and the need for a workplace injury attorney Los Angeles.
3. Repetitive Stress Injuries
   Repetitive stress injuries are cumulative nerve and/or musculoskeletal injuries occurring from frequent, repetitive, and/or awkward movements, compression, and/or vibration. Despite being a huge source of time off work for workers, many employees still don’t take the RSI threat seriously. Simple measures like ergonomic equipment and frequent breaks go a long way in preventing RSI.
4. Struck By Object
   Falling objects pose a risk for any work that’s done overhead, including construction sites and warehouse work. Such environments must have safe storage and retrieval protocols and personal protective equipment standards to prevent injury and having to call Los Angeles workplace accident attorneys because an employee has been struck by a falling object.
5. Collisions With An Object
   Objects don’t have to fall to pose a threat. Workers can actually just be casually walking and collide with a stationary object. This commonly happens when workers leave tools, equipment, or other objects in places they’re not normally found. Employers should encourage workers to always be aware of their surroundings and promptly store items not in use. Workers should also have a protocol on appropriate actions to take if the work area presents a hazard to other workers.
6. Crash Impact
   Impact injuries from vehicles and drivable equipment are actually quite frequent in the workplace setting. Protocols and procedures should always prioritize safety over speed. Workplace areas with any drivable movement should be properly separated from other traffic, and safety measures like seatbelts should be mandatory for drivers and passengers.
7. Skin Laceration
   From box cutters to heavy machinery, few workplaces are insusceptible of equipment that can cut or lacerate a worker’s skin. Many laceration accidents occur from a lack of training, safety protocols and procedures, and safety gear in the workplace.
8. Loud Noise
   Industrial, mechanical, and construction settings can be quite loud. Yet, many employers continue to fail to provide workers with adequate safety measures and equipment to protect their hearing. Many personal injury lawyer Los Angeles firms have gained major compensation payouts for their industrial deafness clients.
9. Hazardous Chemicals
   Skin, eye, and internal reactions remain a concern for those working with and inhaling the toxic fumes of hazardous materials. Exposure can be minimized with safe handling and personal protective equipment procedures and training.
10. Physical Confrontation
    Workplace fights can happen over months of bubbling tension or from a single disagreement. Such incidences can be reduced by having an open, clear, and comprehensive employee grievance system.

In closing, there are innumerable ways that workers can injure themselves. These can’t be eliminated or prevented completely, and they can be from a worker’s own negligence. However, employers not using risk assessments and other tools to implement the best training and safety measures and procedures for their employees leave themselves open to lawsuits from a personal injury lawyer Los Angeles.