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According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American worker deaths are down from 38 people per day in 1970 to 13 per day. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that total worker-reported injury cases increased by 6.3% in one recent year. Even though workplaces are generally safer now than in the past, some injuries still happen quite often. Here’s a heads-up on what to watch out for:
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common work-related injuries and are a leading reason for workers’ comp claims. Watch out for slippery floors, ladders, and other odd objects that might trip you up. Never assume you are on sure footing, but instead, keep a close eye on any surface before venturing onto it.
Overexertion injuries include repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or muscle strains. These injuries are often the result of:
Overexertion can lead to long-term pain, nerve damage, and a decrease in productivity. In some instances, it may leave you unable to perform your duties.
Crushing injuries occur when a worker becomes pinned between machinery and a fixed object or two pieces of machinery. Crushing injuries are hazardous in the heavy manufacturing industry, as the powerful equipment could cause fatal damage to workers.
If you are operating a company vehicle or working around one, you could be at risk of a collision. For instance, if you work in a warehouse setting, you could be hit by a forklift or its cargo. When operating a company vehicle, ensure that you are adhering to all relevant safety guidelines and using equipment such as your seat belt. Failing to adhere to safety measures could lead to severe injury or death.
When you are working in a high-risk industry, falling objects are always a concern. Injuries are commonly caused by:
The extent of the damage depends on what hits you, where, and from how high. Even light objects can cause major harm if they fall far enough.
Fires can cause severe damage to your respiratory system and disfigure your appearance. Fortunately, fires and explosions are among the rarer work-related injuries, but they are still something you should be mindful of. Make sure to wear proper protective gear and adhere to all relevant OSHA standards to minimize your risk of fire or explosion-related injury.
If you work around hazardous chemicals, you are at risk for injury to your eyes, ears, and skin. You could also face damage to your respiratory system if you do not wear proper protective equipment. Make sure to read up on chemical safety data sheets to understand the risks of the chemicals you interact with. If you have concerns about whether a chemical is being handled safely, notify your supervisor.
Hopefully, you’ll never have the unfortunate experience of suffering one of these work-related injuries. But if you do, it’s essential to seek prompt medical attention, ensure your injuries are thoroughly documented, and take photographs of the accident scene (if possible). After you address your immediate medical needs, consider partnering with a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with New York law. An experienced attorney will help you exercise your rights and obtain the workers’ compensation benefits and other damages you need to focus on your recovery.
If you were injured in a workplace accident in Bronx, NY, and need legal help, contact our Bronx Workplace Accidents attorneys at O’Connor Law PLLC to schedule a free case consultation today.
O’Connor Law PLLC
New York Workers Comp Lawyers & Social Security Disability Attorneys
