10 Most Common Workplace Injuries
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Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality, affecting thousands of workers each year. Whether you work in the construction industry, an office, or a factory, knowing the most common workplace injuries can help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
We will explore the ten most common workplace injuries, how they occur, and each common injury and what you can do to prevent them.
At Krebs Law, LLC, we are committed to helping injured workers in Alabama explore their legal options and seek the compensation they deserve.
Alabama Personal Injury Laws
Alabama is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. Yet, when workplace injuries happen, there are legal options to address such accidents.
According labor statistics due to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama recorded 74 fatal work injuries in 2022. A report on private sector employers in Alabama recorded 33,500 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022.
Alabama's workers' compensation operates as a no-fault insurance system. Employees are not required to prove their employer was responsible for a workplace injury. The injured person must prove that the defendant's actions directly caused the injury.
The following is a list of workplace injuries and how to improve workplace safety:
Overexertion Injuries
Overworking injuries are among the most common workplace injuries. They usually result from lifting, pulling, pushing, or carrying heavy objects. These common injuries occur when workers strain their muscles or other body parts due to strenuous effort.
The means to prevent injuries by overexertion can be to:
- Use proper lifting techniques: Always lift with energy from your legs, not your back. Also, avoid twisting your body while carrying heavy objects.
- Use ergonomic equipment: Equipment like lifting aids and adjustable workstations will lessen the strain on your body.
- Take regular breaks: Giving your body time to rest can help prevent overexertion.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries are another leading cause of workplace accidents, often due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered work environments. These incidents can lead to harsh injuries like broken bones, sprains, and head injuries.
Here is a list of ways you can prevent slip and fall injuries:
- Maintain proper housekeeping: Ensure that work areas are clean and obstacles-free.
- Use fall protection: In environments where falls from heights are a risk, use appropriate fall protection equipment.
- Ensure proper lighting: Maintaining well-lit workspaces can help prevent falls due to unseen hazards.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Injuries caused by repetitive motions, like carpal tunnel syndrome, occur when the same motion is repeated over time. These injuries are common in jobs requiring repetitive tasks, such as typing, assembly line work, or operating machinery.
To prevent other incidents and injuries that have to do with repetitive motion, you can:
- Use ergonomic equipment: Adjust your workstation to reduce strain on your body.
- Take regular breaks: Short breaks to stretch and change positions can help prevent repetitive motion injuries.
- Use proper techniques: Learn the correct posture and techniques for your tasks to cut the risk of injury.
Struck by Falling Objects
Injuries from falling objects are mostly common in the construction industry and other industrial settings. Workers can be hit by tools, equipment stationary objects, or materials falling from heights, leading to serious injuries or even death.
If you want to prevent a deadly scenario due to a fallen object, consider the following options:
- Use face protection: Wear hard hats and other protective gear to protect against falling objects.
- Secure tools and materials: Ensure all tools and materials are properly secured at heights.
- Maintain awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards above you.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Incidents caused by bikes are common workplace injuries for construction workers these days, especially for workers who drive as part of their jobs. These accidents can result in many injuries, from minor bruises to traumatic brain injury and even fatalities.
If you want to prevent further accidents from happening, you could do the same level the following:
- Follow safety protocols: Always wear your seatbelt and follow traffic laws.
- Avoid distractions: Stay focused on the road. Do not use your smartphone or look at other distractions while driving.
- Perform regular vehicle maintenance: Ensuring work vehicles are in good condition can decrease the number of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Machine Entanglement
Workers in industrial and construction site or settings often operate or work near heavy machinery, posing a risk of entanglement. Machine entanglement can, unfortunately, lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, amputations, and even death.
Means of preventing injuries by machines can be to:
- Use safety equipment: Wear proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and face protection, when working with machinery.
- Follow safety procedures: Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for operating machinery.
- Proper training: Ensure all employees are properly trained to operate machinery safely.
Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is an issue in many workplaces that can result in injuries. An injury of this kind can occur in any work environment but is particularly common in jobs involving public interaction, such as healthcare, retail, and law enforcement.
Here are a few ways to control or prevent violence in the workplace altogether:
- Put safety policies in place: Establish clear policies for handling conflicts and violent situations.
- Training and awareness: Train workers on how to be wary and respond to potential threats of violence.
- Secure the work environment: Ensure workplaces are secure, with controlled access and surveillance where necessary.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Being exposed to harmful substances like chemicals, asbestos, or other hazardous materials can lead to long-term health issues, including respiratory conditions and cancer. Workers in construction, manufacturing, and other settings are particularly at risk.
If you want to take preventative measures against any other harmful substances used in the workplace, you can do the following:
- Use respiratory protection: Wear masks or respirators when working with hazardous materials.
- Follow safety protocols: Adhere to all safety instructions for handling and storing hazardous substances.
- Regular health monitoring: Participate in health screenings to detect any early signs of exposure-related illnesses.
Electrocution
Electrocution is a common work-related injury in industries where workers are exposed to power lines, electrical wiring, or other live electrical sources. Electrocution can cause serious injuries, including burns, nerve damage, and even death.
The following are ways to prevent injuries by electrocution:
- Use proper safety equipment: Wear insulated gloves, boots, and other protective gear when handling electrical equipment.
- Follow safety procedures: Always follow the correct procedures for working near electrical sources.
- Regular inspections: Ensure all electrical equipment and wiring are inspected and maintained.
Falls from Heights
Falls from heights are another cause of workplace injuries. Fatalities can also happen due to heights in the construction industry or other structures, such as when workers must work on ladders, scaffolds, or other elevated structures. A fall from a great height can end in broken bones, head injuries, and even death.
If you want to prevent a falling object that falls from heights, you can:
- Use fall protection equipment: Always wear harnesses and other fall protection gear when working at heights.
- Secure work areas: Ensure scaffolding, ladders, and other equipment are properly secured and maintained.
- Proper training: Provide training on safely working at heights and using fall protection equipment.
The Importance of Workplace Safety
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Workplace safety is critical in preventing common workplace injuries. Employers are required by law to provide a safe work environment, including proper training, safety equipment, and regular inspections. Employees also have a role in maintaining a safe workplace by following safety protocols, using the appropriate equipment, and reporting hazards.
Common precautions that employees face to improve workplace safety include:
- Use proper lifting techniques: Avoiding overexertion and repetitive motion injuries starts with knowing how to lift and carry objects safely.
- Ensure proper housekeeping: Keeping work areas clean and free of hazards can prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Maintain well-lit areas: Proper lighting can reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility.
- Provide regular breaks: Allowing employees to take regular breaks can prevent fatigue-related injuries.
Legal Options After a Workplace Injury
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Suppose you've been hurt on the job. In that case, you are entitled to workers' compensation benefits in Alabama, which can cover medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses according to the Code of Alabama, ยง25-5-77.
In some cases, you may also have the option to pursue a personal injury claim if the damage was due to someone else's negligence or a defective product.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides advantages to employees who suffer work-related injuries.
In Alabama, workers' compensation can cover medical expenses, a part of lost expenses, and rehabilitation costs. Yet, it may not cover all your losses, especially if the injury leads to long-term disability or chronic pain.
Personal Injury Claims
Besides workers' compensation, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim against a third party, such as a manufacturer of defective equipment or a negligent contractor.
Personal injury lawsuits can help you recover extra compensation for any employee injuries, emotional or physical distress, lost earnings, and other damages not covered by workers' compensation.
Seeking Legal Help
Handling the legal process after a workplace injury can be difficult when dealing with insurance companies and other legalities.
Our legal team at Krebs Law, LLC, can help you understand your legal options, collect evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best legal action next.
Contact Krebs Law, LCC, for Personal Injury Representation at Work
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Workplace injuries can have a profound impact on your life, leading to physical pain, financial hardship, and emotional stress. If you've suffered a work-related injury, knowing your rights and seeking legal guidance is important to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Krebs Law, LLC commits to helping injured workers in Alabama navigate the legal process and pursue justice. Whether you need help with a workers' compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit, our legal team is here to provide the support and representation you need.
Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover after a workplace injury.