Common Workplace Accidents

You may think that your work environment is safe, but the truth is that many people are injured in the workplace. In fact, in 2019, there were a whopping 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries in the United States.

Workplace accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Even if you’re conscientious about being safe, the unexpected can happen, causing serious injuries, time off work, and hefty medical bills. Read on to learn more about common ways employees are injured at work.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

These incidents can happen anywhere, but are especially common in break rooms, where employees may spill water or coffee and fail to clean it up. In other areas of the office, slip and falls are common after floors have been cleaned. Without proper signage, employees can easily fall and suffer serious injuries.

Trips are common around desks, where there may be loose carpets as well as wires and cords on the floor. Clutter in hallways and walkways can cause a person to lose their footing.

Falling Objects

Those who work in warehouses or grocery stores may be victims of falling objects. When objects are placed on high shelves and they are bumped, the objects can fall on one’s head, causing concussions and other head trauma.

Vehicle Accidents

Construction sites and warehouses have forklifts, dump trucks, and other vehicles on site. These vehicles can crash or hit employees, causing serious injuries and even death. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and take care not to collide with objects or people.

Workplace Violence

Unfortunately, some employees are victims of workplace violence. This may happen when disgruntled employees go on a shooting rampage. Perhaps a woman’s estranged husband enters the premises and tries to kill her. In some cases, the violence is perpetrated by total strangers. Increased security can prevent these threats from happening.

Motion Injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome is probably the most common motion injury, but any type of repetitive motion can cause injuries such as pain, numbness, and nerve damage. Typists and salon workers are mostly likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Stress/Fatigue

Workplace accidents can also be caused by things we cannot see, like emotions. Too much stress and fatigue can cause a worker to be distracted. This can cause them to not pay attention, which can lead to mistakes. These mistakes can lead to not only physical injuries, but serious health conditions as well, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today 

If you have been injured in the workplace, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits and other forms of compensation. Be sure to file a claim with your employer as soon as possible to retain your legal rights.

You may also want to contact a lawyer, especially if your employer denies your claim. The Morristown work-related accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff will help identify the liable parties and hold them liable. To schedule a free consultation, call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.

Resource:

bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf