The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requires all employers to comply with the applicable OSHA standards to ensure that employees work in a safe and healthy environment. Employers should also keep the work areas free from hazards. However, despite the safety standard in place, an accident can still happen. Therefore, to protect employees from the effects of a workplace accident, they can get compensated for their injuries and other damages under the Workers Compensation Act. The act also protects employers from being sued for the accident.
Suppose you have sustained injuries while at work, you can talk to a workplace injury lawyer from Albright, Stoddard, Warnick, and Albright or a reputable law firm near you to know how to get maximum compensation. However, you need to know the type of workplace accidents that you can claim against.
Below are common types of workplace accidents.
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Falling from a Height
The number of employees who fall from ladders or scaffolds is overwhelming. This accident also leads to a high number of fatalities. There are safe work procedures that employees should observe when working from a height. Failing to do this puts the employees at considerable risk. This accident has a catastrophic effect on the victims, their family members, employers, contractors, and more. Other employees might also feel demoralized to work after such an accident.
Trips and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls account for more than 10% of work-related fatalities. These accidents can happen in the office, warehouse, or even a construction site. The accidents can be caused by tripping over wires or electric cords, trip on the stairs, spilled liquid, and over bad floors.
Employees should have proper footwear, keep the floor clean and clear, use sufficient warning in case there is a hazard, and more to prevent this accident.
Hit by a Moving Object or Vehicle
This is yet another leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. A moving object can include a forklift, cargo, a falling object, and runaway trolleys. Without the right safety precautions and personal protective equipment, an employee can sustain a severe injury or even fatality.
Manual Handling
Many employees suffer from strains, sprains, or muscle tears because of lifting objects that are too heavy for them or using the wrong lifting technique. Employees should avoid lifting heavy objects and avoid lifting with their backs.
Stress
Stress is a leading cause of lack of morale, poor mental health, and employee turnover. Some employers today have come up with ways of helping their employees deal with stress to promote better mental, psychological, social, and emotional health. It is crucial to create a supportive environment, foster team spirit, and have regular team-building activities to avoid such inconveniences.
Fatigue
Failing to take adequate breaks during working hours can also cause injuries. For example, truck drivers who fail to take the recommended break and drive while fatigued can end up causing a severe accident. The same goes for crane operators, construction workers, and other employees. An employer should allow workers to take sufficient breaks so that they can stay alert while working.
Hazardous Materials
If an employee is working with chemicals or any other hazardous materials or substances, they should wear the right PPE and use the recommended datasheets. The employees should also be trained on how to use and store the materials to avoid accidents.
Talk to a Workplace Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured at work and are having trouble getting compensated, you should reach out to a workplace injury lawyer to follow up your claim, appeal if it has been rejected, or file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will review your case and let you know the legal options you have to ensure you have a fair settlement.