There are hundreds of thousands of workplace accidents that are recorded every year and amongst them, there are many ways in which employees become hurt or injured. Whether businesses take the necessary precautions or not, there is still a chance for these employees to get hurt, in one way or another, especially in high-risk fields of work. Understanding some of the different types of workplace accidents and injuries can allow you to better understand how to prevent them from happening, so we discuss them! Continue reading to learn more. 

Slip and Fall

Slips and falls are one of the most common accidents that occur in the workplace. They take up a third of all personal injuries in work settings. These types of injuries usually impact the head, back, and neck, and result in broken bones, cuts, sprains, and pulled muscles. They are a significant cause of workers’ compensation claims. 

Fires and Explosions

Fires and explosions in the workplace are usually caused by high-risk factors such as faulty gas lines, improperly stored combustible materials, or open flames. The injuries from these factors typically include damage to the respiratory system, varying degrees of burn, and even potential disfigurement. Although they only account for 3% of workplace injuries, they have the highest casualty rate. 

Vehicle-Related Accidents 

Whenever any kind of vehicle is involved, there is room for accidents to take place. We don’t mean it could happen just by operating them. Accidents with vehicles also include being struck or run over by them, falling from a vehicle, getting crushed or stuck by an overturned vehicle, and being struck by objects falling from the vehicle. 

Overexertion Injuries

When an employee is hurt by overexertion, this usually means that they took on activities that were too much on their bodies, causing crippling and debilitating pain. Overexertion has even caused some workers’ abilities to perform their jobs for the remainder of their life. Overexertion accounts for 33% of all workplace injuries. This injury also contributes to loss of productivity in annual health benefit payout costs. 

Muscle Strains 

Strained muscles are often experienced by those who are constantly lifting heavy items at their workplace. The muscles of the back and neck are usually the points of the body that take the most impact with strains. This can often be tied to a lack of basic training on proper lifting techniques. 

Crashes and Collisions 

Crashes and collisions can not only be experienced with vehicles, but this can also occur when smaller vehicles such as forklifts and trucks are in operation. It is important for employers to have these vehicles inspected and that they require workers to use preventative materials, such as seatbelts, to avoid any injuries. Without doing so, nasty consequences are highly possible. 

Cuts and Lacerations 

From power saws to paper trimmers, it can be easy to cause a rather painful ordeal while you’re on the job. Even more, cuts and lacerations call for plenty of downtime that way the employee doesn’t cause infection or for the wound to worsen. The most common causes of lacerations are due to poor training, inadequate safety protocol, and failure to use proper protection. 

Exposure to Toxic Fumes

Inhaling toxic fumes can not only pose a threat to our lungs and respiratory systems, but they can also affect our eyes or skin, especially those who undergo extreme allergic reactions. Protective equipment such as goggles is intended to prevent workers from undergoing the extremities of exposure to toxic fumes. 

Entanglement

It can be easy for a worker to get stuck in parts of heavy machinery when there are gears, rollers, and other parts that can entrap them. Entanglement often causes tearing or crushing injuries, placing employees in an extremely vulnerable state. In the worst cases, a worker may suffer a loss of a limb or die from his or her injuries. 

Electrocution

Where there are exposed cords or wires, electrocution is bound to happen. Faulty electrical outlets can also cause an immense amount of harm. In some cases, employees and workers suffer from electrocution when they work around power lines or when they hit underground cables as they dig down. Employers are encouraged to make sure that all electrical hazards are identified. 

Receive the Settlement and Compensation You Deserve 

Although we discussed ten different types of workplace injuries, plenty more are out there. If you have recently experienced an accident at your work, we ask that you contact The Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C immediately.