Workplace injuries happen when you are on the job or company grounds. When they do, they can have serious repercussions on your health, life, and career, ranging from minor sprains to disability. Understanding the causes of these injuries can help you avoid them. It can also tell you when to see a work-related injury Colonia specialist for treatment and a workers’ compensation attorney for reimbursement. Here is a review of the top five factors that contribute to workplace injuries.
Overexertion and Fatigue
Overexertion happens when you throw, carry, hold, pull, push, or lift heavy objects or perform these actions repetitively. Along with bodily reaction, this factor is ranked as the fifth most common cause of workplace injury on the Workplace Safety Index. It is characterized by excessive, strenuous, or repetitive physical motion. Overexertion can also be caused or worsened by fatigue. A fatigued worker is more likely to be inattentive and work to exhaustion, leading to accidents and injury. Usually, these problems can be avoided by taking regular breaks during a work shift.
Slip and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injury. They happen when your foot loses traction with a walking surface and can be caused by wet slippery floors, improper footwear, unexpected changes in flooring, such as potholes, and uneven surfaces. When they happen, slips and falls can cause soft tissue injuries, dislocations, and other similar injuries.
Same-Level and Lower-Level Falls
A same-level fall happens when you slip or trip on a level surface and fall. This accident is usually caused by hazards like wet floors, open drawers, loose wires, cables lying across the floor, potholes, and more. Moreover, poor lighting can make these falls more likely because people cannot spot and avoid these hazards. Lower-level falls, on the other hand, occur when you fall from a height such as a roof or a ladder to a lower level. This type of accident can cause serious injury or even death. Employers can minimize them by ensuring workspaces are uncluttered and well-lit, and employees wear fall protection gear.
Equipment Accidents
Equipment accidents are more common in factories or workplaces with heavy machinery. They can happen in several ways. Most commonly, you can get hurt by being struck by a piece of equipment or falling objects. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), this is the most common cause of workplace death in the construction sector. Other ways equipment can injure you is when you get caught or crushed between two heavy objects or moving machinery.
Auto Accidents
Employees can also get injured while operating vehicles, such as company cars, motorcycles, trucks, cranes, and more. These accidents can happen on the road as you run a work errand or within company grounds, such as in a parking lot or factory.
Discuss Your Workplace Injury with Your Doctor
Workplace injuries can be catastrophic, especially when they lead to temporary or permanent disability, chronic pain, or reduced function. If you get injured at work due to any of these factors, seeking immediate medical help can increase your chances of a quick and complete recovery. It can also help your legal claim if you decide to seek benefits for your injury. Talk to a work injury specialist today to learn more about how they can address your injuries and restore your health.
