Common Work Related Injury Causes and What You Need to Do
photo by ELEVATE
Each year, work-related injuries affect millions of Americans. These injuries can be caused by various factors, from repetitive motion to hazardous materials. In some cases, the damage results from a single event, such as a fall or lifting a heavy object.
In other cases, it is the cumulative effect of years of exposure to stressors such as noise or vibration. Regardless of the cause, work-related injuries can significantly impact your health and well-being. They can also lead to lost work days and productivity, harming your career and finances.
If you have suffered a work related injury, there are a few things you need to do to protect your rights and get the treatment you need. Continue reading to learn how to handle car accidents properly and gain knowledge when you or a loved one is involved.
Introduction to Work-Related Injury
Anyone, at any time, could sustain work-related injuries. They can be caused by several things, such as lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or exposure to dangerous chemicals. Some work-related injuries are more severe than others and can lead to chronic pain or disability.
8 Most Common Causes
of Work-Related Injury
There are many potential causes of work-related injuries. Sometimes the reason is a single occurrence, like a slip and fall. In other cases, several different factors may be the cumulative effect. Here are eight of the most common causes of work-related injuries:
Lifting
photo by Karolina Grabowska
One of the most frequent work-related accidents is lifting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than one million workers are injured yearly while lifting. The most common lifting injuries include strains and sprains, hernias, and back pain.
Fatigue
There are numerous causes of fatigue, including work schedule disruptions, physical exertion, and psychological stress. Tired people have trouble concentrating and making decisions, resulting in mistakes and accidents. Additionally, fatigue can make it hard to stay alert and react quickly, which can be extremely dangerous in specific work environments.
Dehydration
Workers at risk for dehydration include those who work outdoors in hot weather, those who work in physically demanding jobs, and those who work in environments with little or no air movement.
photo by Karolina Grabowska
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can cause several problems, including eye strain, headaches, and accidents. For instance, if you are working in an area with poor lighting, you may not be able to see, leading to errors or accidents. In addition, poor lighting can also cause eye strain and headaches.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials can cause various health problems, including skin and respiratory problems, cancer, and congenital disabilities. Therefore, workers need to be aware of the dangers of these materials and take precautions to protect themselves.
photo by Alex Green
Acts of Workplace Violence
Workplace Violence can happen in any workplace. It can range from verbal harassment to physical assault and can be perpetrated by co-workers, clients, or customers. In some cases, work-related violence is motivated by a personal vendetta, but it can also result from a robbery gone wrong or a terrorist attack.
Trips and Falls
Trips and Falls can happen to different factors, including wet or icy conditions, cluttered work areas, and poor lighting. Construction, healthcare, and retail employees are susceptible to trips and fall violence.
Stress
Stress can be caused by many different things, including long hours, tight deadlines, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of control over work-related decisions. Stress can lead to many health problems, including headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and heart disease. In dire situations, it might even be lethal.
Most Common Work-Related Injuries - Definitions & Characterizations
photo by Tiger Lily
Work-related injuries are, unfortunately, all too common. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly two million workers are injured on the job every year.
Many of these injuries are minor, such as cuts or bruises. However, some can be much more serious and even life-threatening. Common work-related injuries include:
Slips, trips, and falls
These accidents can often be caused by slippery floors, loose carpets, or cluttered work areas. They can also occur when workers are distracted or in a hurry. Slips, trips, and falls can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones and head injuries. They may potentially be lethal in rare circumstances.
Overexertion and muscle strains
Overexertion occurs when a person tries to lift, push, or pull something too heavy for them. This can lead to severe injuries, such as back strains or hernias. Muscle strains occur when a person overexerts themselves and tears a muscle. It might be necessary to have surgery to fix this, which can be very painful.
photo by Mikael Blomkvist
Struck by workers, equipment, or falling objects
"Struck-by" can happen when workers are using tools, machinery or once they're working at heights. Falling objects can also injure workers who are walking underneath them. Injuries from being struck by an object can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like concussions, broken bones, and internal bleeding. Workers struck by an object often need to take time off work to recover, leading to lost wages and medical bills. In some cases, workers may even be permanently disabled.
Crashes or collisions
Crashes can occur when two workers collide while working close to each other. Collisions can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. In some cases, collisions can even be fatal.
Exposure to harmful substances or environments
This can occur when workers are exposed to toxic chemicals, work in cramped or confined spaces, or are subjected to loud noise for extended periods. In some cases, work-related injuries from exposure to harmful substances or environments can be fatal. In others, they can lead to chronic health problems that can significantly impair a worker's quality of life.
Fire and explosions
photo by Pixabay
Fire and explosions happen when flammable liquids and gases are present, and work equipment is not well maintained. Most of the time, it is caused by human error, such as neglecting to properly turn off a piece of machinery, which is to blame for these fatalities. Fires and explosions can result in serious injuries, including burns, respiratory problems, and even death.
photo by Keira Burton
Violence and other harm caused by people or animals
Violence and other injuries by persons or animals are common work-related injuries. It can happen to anyone in any work setting. The National Safety Council defines work-related violence as "any physical assault or battering, threatening behavior, and/or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting." Violence can be physical, verbal, or emotional. Without any forewarning, it can happen in the blink of an eye. And it can have a lasting impact on victims, families, and coworkers.
Steps to Take
After Experiencing Injuries at Work
A work-related injury can be challenging and stressful. Not only are you dealing with the pain of your injuries, but you may also be worried about how it will impact your job and income. However, there are some steps you can take to help make the process as smooth as possible. Here are the following steps:
photo by Sora Shimazaki
Report the injury to your employer
Reporting the injury to your employer is vital for two reasons. First, it will ensure that workers' compensation covers you if you need to miss work or incur medical expenses. Second, it will create a record of the injury in case you need to file a workers' compensation claim later. Reporting the damage to your employer as soon as possible is the best way to protect yourself and your rights.
Fill out a workplace injury report
You must give as much information as you can about the accident. Be sure to include the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as a description of what happened. It is also essential to list any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
photo by Anna Tarazevich
Seek medical care
It is essential to seek medical care as soon as possible after the injury occurs. This will help to ensure that the damage is properly treated and that you can return to work as quickly as possible. In some cases, work-related injuries can lead to long-term disability.
File a claim
The claims process can be confusing and frustrating, but perseverance is essential. After all, you are entitled to work-related injury compensation if your work caused them. With patience and tenacity, you should be able to get the money you need to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
Retain an attorney
It is vital to understand that you have rights, and there are steps you can take to ensure that you are taken care of. One of the best things you can do is to retain an experienced attorney who will fight for you and provide you receive the compensation you deserve.
How to Choose a Reliable Work Related Injury Attorney?
You should keep a few things in mind when choosing a work-related injury lawyer. First, finding someone with experience handling work-related injury cases is essential. This type of law is complex, and you want an attorney who knows the ins and outs. Second, you'll want to find someone willing to fight for you. Insurance companies often try to lowball injured workers, but a reasonable attorney will ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference if you've been injured at work. Keep these things in mind, and you'll be on your way to finding the best possible representation for your case.
Get Represented; Seek for Help!
Many people are injured at work every year. Some injuries are minor, but some can be life-changing. You might be unsure what to do next if you were hurt at work. One of the most important things you can do is to hire a reliable lawyer for a work-related injury.
Contact OUCH USA immediately at +1-844-872-6824 or email us at hello@ouchusa.com to set up a free consultation. We'll do everything we can to obtain the best possible settlement as soon as possible.
Photo by August de Richelieu