If you’re injured at work, you’re legally entitled to worker’s compensation. This money is essential compensation for your lost wages, time off work, medical bills, and more. Workplace injuries are so common that the National Safety Council estimates over 12,600 workers are injured every day.
Sadly, many injured workers are denied compensation or don’t get the real compensation they deserve. Frequently, it’s because an employee has had an injury they didn’t even realize was from the job! Knowing some common workplace injuries will help you identify them right away, and may even help you prevent them from happening.
Also Read: What Is Workers Compensation?
Slips, Trips, And Falls
These accidents can cause numerous injuries at work. From a simple sprained wrist to paralyzing neck injury, these accidents are nothing but serious. Slips, trips, and falls can happen in any kind of workplace: the office, factory, construction site, food service, and more. Sadly, these are also the most easily preventable accidents.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls is as simple as basic safety and good housekeeping. Always clear up wet, oily, or icy surfaces right away. Clearing out other hazards like clutter, mats, and cables not only prevents trips, it also vital for fire evacuation and safety.
Muscle Strains
This kind of injury can happen in almost any kind of workplace. Even sitting in an office chair for too long can give you some serious back problems. When the soreness and pain can’t be ignored any longer, you should seek workers compensation. Sure, you may have medical coverage for your injury, but other costs such as travel, prescriptions, and specialist visits add up. That’s when workers compensation comes in handy.
You can also prevent these injuries with proper lifting techniques, and taking breaks to stretch the stressed body parts. However, regular stress on your body adds up, and many muscle strains are inevitable- especially in manual labour industries.
Machine-Related Accidents
Injuries from machine-related accidents are devastating. For people working closely with heavy machinery in factories, farms, and construction sites, these accidents can result in completely debilitating injuries or even death. Flying objects from improper use, crushed body parts, and crashes are all a result of improper training and lack of safety guidelines.
All machinery must be safeguarded and monitored. Operators need full, proper training before using machinery. If your employer forces you to operate machinery you’re untrained for, remind them that it’s incredibly unsafe for everyone on-site.
Since these injuries need even more compensation, employers will try to argue an employee is at fault to lessen their settlement offer. If you need major compensation for an injury, do not accept any offer until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. A lawyer will get you every penny you deserve.
Also Read: 8 Things To Do After You’re Injured At Work
Repetitive Strain And Overexhaustion
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) and over-exhaustion are increasingly common throughout all industries. RSIs, whether they’re physical or mental can cause serious harm to your body. Even the mental effects of repeated stress can show up in physical ways such as body aches, hair loss, and sleep deprivation.
Employers can prevent these injuries with ergonomic equipment, regular breaks, and encouraging other healthy practices can prevent these injuries. These injuries don’t show up right away, and they’re often harder to prove. If you’re denied compensation for your injuries, don’t give up yet. Call a lawyer to find out what other legal rights you have.
Cuts, Lacerations, And Punctures
The National Safety Council reports that cuts, lacerations, and punctures are the most reported injuries. Foodservice employees frequently experience these kinds of injuries. Keeping knives sharp, using equipment properly, and following kitchen safety guidelines prevent these injuries.
Employers should properly train their employees on all equipment and take even small cuts very seriously. Doing so will also help address all safety concerns before they become a problem.
Inhaling Toxic Fumes And Asbestos Poisoning
Inhaling or working with toxins can have life-long effects on your health. Brain damage, skin infections, and various kinds of cancer can result from working with these products. It’s vital that employers provide plenty of safety equipment and training for employees who work with these hazardous materials.
If your employer fails to provide these basic safety measures, bring their attention to it. Remind them that you and the other employee have the right to a safe work environment. If your employer fails to address your concerns, you can report them to the authorities, or take legal action.
Also Read: Whistleblowers: 6 Workers Rights Everyone Should Know
Fires And Explosions
Explosions and fires can easily be prevented by proper fire safety. To provide a safe work environment, employers must ensure of the following:
- Have a fire evacuation and safety plan
- Clear all fire exits and pathways at all times
- Have an emergency burn kit
- Train safety personnel on burns and lacerations
- Label explosive products
- Thoroughly train all employees on fire safety
If you work closely with gas lines, heat, or explosive materials, your employer needs to commit to basic fire safety training and procedures. Failing to do so increases the risk of an accident and injury. Burns and lung damage are some of the most common injuries from these accidents. These injuries can have life-long and even disabling effects on employees.
What To Do If Your Injuries Go Ignored
Before you accept any offer from your employer, always call a lawyer. A lawyer can help you assess the extent of your injury and estimate how much compensation you should receive.
If your employer and insurance company refuses to acknowledge your injuries or has done little to create a safe work environment, call a lawyer. A lawyer can help you sue your bad boss to get all the compensation you deserve.
Also Read: 7 Red Flags You Should Sue Your Bad Boss and 8 Questions To Ask An Employment Lawyer Upon Consultation
