Workplace accidents can cause various injuries, including broken bones, cuts, sprains, and concussions. Most of these injuries are not life-threatening but can lead to substantial medical expenses. A multitude of variables can cause workplace accidents, but the following factors are common causes of workplace injuries.
1. Fatigue
If you work continuously without taking a break, you might experience general exhaustion and get distracted. This can lead to muscle weakness and/or inattentiveness, which can make you more susceptible to suffering an accidental injury. Employers should have schedules that allow employees to take frequent breaks to avoid accidents.
2. Dehydration
Drinking plenty of water is important, especially when you work outside during hot South Carolina summer days. If you don't drink enough water, you can become dehydrated and suffer lightheadedness, or worse, you can have a heatstroke or another cardiac condition, any of which can cause an accident. The recommendation is to drink eight glasses of water daily and get enough rest.
3. Distractions
Occurrences in your personal life can cause you to worry, but don't let distractions follow you to work. You may forget some safety procedures if your mind is elsewhere. Other common workplace distractions include being on your phone or talking to other co-workers. Mental distractions can create a hazardous environment for you and other workers.
4. Incomplete or Incorrect Instructions
Proper execution of any task at the workplace requires clear and timely information. Using only a small section of the instructions is a recipe for disaster. If you don't understand the procedures and safety precautions about your work, ask your superiors. Asking for further instructions may delay the task but can prevent injuries.
5. Falls, Trips, and Slips
Slippery surfaces can happen anywhere, including offices, factories, and shops. Keep a watchful eye on your surroundings and wear proper footware for your situation. If you see such a hazard, report it as soon as possible to prevent injury to others.
6. Heavy Lifting and Poor Posture
People who frequently lift heavy objects at the workplace can suffer from various muscle strains. You can also get muscle strains if you maintain the same sitting position for a long time. Utilizing proper body mechanics or having the right lifting equipment can help avoid accidents.
7. Exposure to Harmful Substances
Some workplace processes may use harmful substances such as scalding liquid, radioactive particles, and dangerous chemicals. If you come into contact with these substances, you can get severe burns and lacerations. Some of these substances can also cause long-term health conditions like cancer. The government requires employers and supervisors to have safety procedures for handling hazardous substances in the workplace.
8. Excessive Noise
Working in an environment with consistently loud sounds can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Loud noises can also reduce your quality of life. Always insist on wearing protective equipment to protect your hearing from excessive noise.
9. Poor Housekeeping
Accidents are more likely to occur in a cluttered workplace. For example, debris and large objects may lie on the floor. The workplace may also contain cables that fly around aimlessly. Employers must ensure that the workplace is always clear of debris and loose cables.
10. Shortcuts
Employees can become careless if they do the same job every day. Some may resort to shortcuts to do the job quickly. This can increase the risk of workplace accidents, particularly if the employee uses heavy equipment.
Workplace injuries can result in lost wages and expensive medical treatment. If you have suffered a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers' compensation coverage for these items. Since this can be a complex process, let Palmetto Injury Lawyers LLC guide you. Contact us for all your personal injury cases.