April 27, 2022
The workplace may be dangerous, particularly in an industrial environment. Accidents can be caused by various factors, ranging from overexertion to improper handling of hazardous materials. A variety of factors can also contribute to or influence a workplace incident.
As a result, employers should take every precaution possible to create safe working environments and avoid workplace accidents.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents at Work?
A workplace accident is any accident that occurs while a worker is carrying out duties related to their job. Workplace accidents do not have to happen in the workplace; they can occur while transporting materials for your job or while performing other employment-related duties off-site.
The following are a few most common causes of workplace accidents:
Fatigue
Another common cause of accidents is failure to take a break. Employees must take adequate breaks to recover from grueling manual labor. Failure to do so can result in various physical issues, including atrophy and general exhaustion. The consequences of either of these are far more severe than taking a 10-minute break.
Dehydration
Failure to stay hydrated can also have disastrous consequences. On extremely hot summer days, failing to drink enough water can result in heat stroke or cardiac conditions. This is easily avoided by drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. Management should emphasize the importance of proper hydration and rest, as it maximizes personnel efforts.
Slips, trips, or falls
This type of accident occurs when tripping hazards are on the workspace floor, which usually occurs in an untidy or disorganized environment. Similarly, slips and falls are common when wet floors are there, possibly without a warning sign to warn those nearby of the increased risk.
Handling, lifting, or carrying
Handling heavy objects without proper training can result in an injury or, in some cases, long-term chronic neck, back, and spine issues. Formal training in how to bend, lift, and carry with the least amount of strain on the body and the introduction of equipment to reduce the need for manual labor can be beneficial in this situation.
Many employees are at risk of spraining, straining, or tearing a muscle due to lifting an object that is too heavy for them to lift alone. Keep in mind that there is no harm in asking for assistance with difficult-to-lifting heavy objects.
Falls from Height
Another self-explanatory one. Falls from height are any instances in which an employee is required to work from a high place and is thus at risk of falling. In this case, ‘height’ is often defined as anything above ground level, resulting in serious injury if proper precautions are not taken.
Falls on the same level
Falling on the same level can happen anywhere, and to anyone at work, so it is so common. People can trip or slip due to loose wires, wet floors, or even an open file cabinet drawer.
Struck by object or equipment
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, being struck by a falling object or piece of equipment is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry, and other industries are not immune to such accidents.
Lighting
Trips fall, and other workplace injuries can be exacerbated by poor lighting. If you cannot see the dangers, they are much more likely to become significant issues. Therefore, every workplace area should be well lit, including offices, warehouses, parking areas, and outside entryways.
Stress
Physical and mental stress are less well-known workplace hazards, but they can lead to severe or fatal accidents. Employees must be mentally and physically fit for the job. All employees should be made aware of the significance of mental and physical health. In addition, it is critical to take breaks and seek assistance in dealing with stressful situations.
Overexertion
Lifting or lowering heavy objects and performing repetitive motions are the most common causes of sprains and soreness.
The Devastating Consequences of Workplace Accidents
Accidents in the workplace can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts to permanent disabilities. An employee may even die as a result of a workplace accident.
Workers may suffer the following catastrophic or fatal workplace injuries depending on the type of workplace accident that occurs:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burn injuries
- Injuries requiring amputation
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Wrongful death
Whether fatal or non-fatal, such injuries can cause emotional and financial turmoil in a family. Sometimes the injured worker was the family’s sole breadwinner, and their incapacity or death leaves the family without a source of income.
Furthermore, no monetary value can be placed on the emotional burden that a wrongful death places on a family’s shoulders.
A Workplace Accident Attorney Can Help You
Khashan Law Firm’s team of experienced lawyers has represented families of construction workers, warehouse workers, police officers, and others in cases of workplace wrongful death. It is difficult to establish negligence on the part of the company, manager, or other employees as the cause of the victim’s death.
However, our expert lawyers are well-versed in fighting for your rights for workplace accident cases and assist our clients in proving negligence and obtaining the maximum rightful compensation for the victim’s family. For a free, confidential consultation, call (951) 461-2387.