Common Causes of Industrial Accidents
Regardless of the type of work you are involved in, there are common causes of industrial accidents that you need to be aware of. These include falls from heights, improperly maintained equipment and distractions.
1. Distractions
Whether you're on the road or in the workplace, distractions can be a serious problem. Many accidents involve cell phones and other digital devices. But how can you avoid them?
The best way to minimize distractions is to empower your workers. This includes setting clear policies regarding the use of digital devices at work. You also want to educate your employees on the hazards of electronic devices.
The most common on-the-job distractions include texting, talking on the phone, and using a navigation system. But the most important thing to remember is to stay focused on your task.
There are three types of distractions: manual, visual, and cognitive. Performing a manual task, such as adjusting an audio control, can cause a driver to focus his or her eyes on something else. But, a more dangerous distraction is daydreaming.
The most obvious way to minimize digital distractions is to turn off notifications. This may sound like an obvious tip, but it can be the difference between an accident and a safe commute.
2. Poorly-managed facilities
Managing biological contaminants has never been more important. The most mundane tasks are not as enjoyable as a swarm of hyenas or a rat scurrying about. A properly trained team can mitigate this threat with a well-conceived safety plan. The best practice involves a nifty acronym. The more incognizable your employees are, the better off you'll be. To this end, you might consider a formal safety review.
A high-brow safety review should be part of the checklist at all times. There are no guarantees you won't have a run in the doghouse, but a bit of thought and some nifty tricks will keep you on the right side of the fence. A savvy manager who can identify a potential thorn in the flesh is the most important aspect.
Aside from the obscenely rude staff, you'll also benefit from a nifty executive briefing. A nifty acronym can be the icing on the cake, especially when slapping the badge on a shiny new office cubicle.
3. Poorly-maintained equipment
Thousands of workers are injured every year in accidents that involve malfunctioning equipment. Defective equipment can result in amputations, burns, and other injuries. Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards provide guidelines for the safe use of machinery.
If your employer fails to maintain your equipment, it may violate OSHA regulations. In addition to failing to repair defective equipment, employers can be held responsible for causing equipment failures through improper maintenance procedures.
In addition to accidents caused by mechanical defects, a large number of workplace injuries occur because of improperly maintained equipment. For example, a nail gun malfunctioning can cause a severe traumatic injury.
Industrial accidents can be prevented by proper maintenance of equipment. Most equipment requires periodic maintenance. The impact of an equipment failure depends on the severity of the injury, the total downtime, and the costs of repair.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration tracks workplace equipment incidents. The agency reports that 400 construction workers are killed annually in machine accidents. These accidents include falls, collisions, and falling debris.
4. Falling from a height
Among the causes of major injuries in the workplace, falls from a height are among the most common. It can result in broken bones, neck injuries, head injuries, and spinal injuries. Injuries can also affect vital organs.
The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the fall from height and mortality. It was a retrospective study of 460 patients who suffered from falls from height. The results showed that the risk of a fatal injury was significantly related to the age, gender, and location of the fall.
The most common type of falls was from stairs, ladders, balconies, and roofs. The majority of the falls involved males. The main factors were a linear skull fracture, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and an injured organ.
Injuries to the cervical spine and the head were the most common. They resulted in the highest number of fatalities.
The incidence of these injuries increased with the fall height. The mortality rate of falls from > 9 meters was 9.6%.
Why Hire an Industrial Accident Lawyer?
Getting injured at work can be a terrifying experience. Not only are you dealing with the pain and inconvenience of an injury, but you are also dealing with the added stress of wondering how you will pay the bills.
The best way to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover is to hire a workplace accident lawyer. A good lawyer can guide you through the jargon-laden legal process and help you negotiate a favorable settlement.
Insurance companies are trained to make you settle for the smallest amount possible. They want to save their profits, so they will do everything they can to deny your claim. A good attorney will know when to nudge you toward a fair settlement and when to walk away.
There are many reasons why you should hire a lawyer. First, you will need someone who knows how to navigate the insurance company. You want to avoid overpaying medical expenses from an unscrupulous provider. A lawyer can build a case that will stand up in court.
The other reason to hire a lawyer is to give yourself the best chance at a fair settlement. Injured workers often face the unpleasant surprise of having their salaries cut, which can leave them in dire financial straits. A lawyer can help you get fair compensation so that you don't have to worry about putting food on the table.
Do not hesitate to contact the job-related injury attorneys at OUCH USA for assistance if you have sustained an injury at work. They can ensure you receive the money you deserve thanks to their expertise and experience. Get in touch with us by phone at +1-844-872-6824 or email at hello@ouchusa.com to receive justice and compensation