There are a wide variety of reasons that workplace accidents occur, many of which are preventable. When organizations are proactive about ensuring the safety of their employees, a workplace injury is less likely to occur. Some of the most common causes of accidents are wet floors, hazardous materials and unsecured objects. When these issues are not dealt with, it can lead to injury or even death as well as increasing insurance rates and decreased employee morale.
Many people slip or fall at workplaces of all kinds, whether it is an office or a construction site, due to wet floors. This may happen soon after a floor has been mopped or because something was spilled and not cleaned up in a timely manner. The type of footwear employees wear to work may be able to help reduce these types of accidents. Similarly, high traffic areas, such as hallways and stairwells can present a tripping danger to employees if they are not well lit or cluttered.
Another common issue that leads to injuries in many work places comes from toppling objects. If a large number of boxes, file folders or crates are stacked up, moved around or bumped into frequently, they may not be stable. Such objects may fall on nearby employees and cause injury. Many accidents are related to hazardous materials. Mishandling of these materials often lead to burns, skin infections and, in some cases, blindness. When working with these types of items, employees are required to use safety goggles, gloves and similar protective items.
Workplace injuries can range from minor to life threatening. If a person has been injured while working due to the negligence of an employer, a lawyer could help them pursue workers’ compensation benefits that cover medical costs, lost wages and other expenses related to an injury.
Source: Houston Chronicle, “Top 10 Causes of Workplace Injuries“, Christina Hamlett, October 27, 2013