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 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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, §25-5-77.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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