On the Job Accidents: Five Ways to Prevent Injuries
Work-related accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence and can result in injuries that can be serious and potentially disabling, preventing you from being able to work or provide for your loved ones. While not all on-the-job injuries can be prevented, there are ways to help lower your risks. We have assembled the following information on the most frequently cited causes behind common types of work-related accidents and injuries, in the hopes of helping to prevent you or your loved ones from being hurt.
Common Causes Behind On-The-Job Injuries
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as many as 12 workers are killed on the job, while more than 9,000 suffer serious, debilitating, and even life threatening injuries. The most common causes behind these injuries include the following:
- Trips and falls
- Being caught in or between objects
- Being struck by objects
- Electrocution
- Vehicle-related injuries
- Illness and injuries caused by exposure to hazardous substances
- Overexertion, and injuries caused by repetitive motions and poor workplace ergonomics
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Ways To Prevent On-The-Job Injuries
Workplace-accidents result in lost wages, medical expenses, and financial hardships for workers, while costing employers money in terms of paying out claims and lost productivity. While worksite managers, supervisors, and administrators all play a part in ensuring their employees safety on the job, there are a number of things workers themselves can do to help prevent injuries. According to EHS Today, a leading provider of information for the trade, construction, and service industries, there are five ways workers can help protect themselves against common types of on-the-job injuries.
- To prevent back injuries and muscle strains due to overexertion, know your limits, follow proper lifting procedures, enlist help from other employees, and utilize machinery such as lifts and conveyors.
- To avoid slips, trips, and falls, make sure spills and slippery spots are visibly marked, clean up promptly, and remove hazards that may be blocking aisles, stairwells, and passageways. Make sure floor mats are used at entrances and exits and wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- To avoid strains, make sure offices are set up in a convenient and ergonomic manner that helps to prevent the need for bending, lifting, and stretching for commonly used items. Make sure equipment, such as desks and chairs, are at the proper height and rotate tasks to prevent repetition.
- Falls from heights are a major contributing factor in worker deaths and injuries. Make sure equipment, such as ladders and cranes, and in proper working order, well maintained, and used under safe conditions, and make use of scaffolding as extra protection in the event a fall occurs.
- To avoid being hit by falling objects, make sure hard hats are worn by all personnel at constructions sites, block off areas under renovation, and make sure shelving is securely attached and not overstocked. If you are working near vehicles and equipment, make sure the operator sees you, and avoid walking directly under a crane or lift.
Reach Out to Us for Assistance
If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, contact the Anastopoulo Law Firm immediately. Our experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys will fight for your rights and can help you get the benefits you need to cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of how or why your accident occurred.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
