Top 5 Most Common Workplace Injuries & How to Prevent Them
If you suffer an injury while at work, you may need emergency medical treatment or time to recover at home and heal. Unfortunately, time away from work also means time away from how you earn your living. Most people dread suffering an injury on the job because of the disruption, financial implications, and stress an injury can cause to their life.
Below are some of the most common injuries workers sustain while at work and some prevention tips to help keep you safe in the future. At HGSK Law Firm, we want to help our clients navigate the stressful aftermath of a workplace injury and avoid future injuries whenever possible.
1. Overexertion
You can suffer an overexertion injury when you push yourself beyond your body’s physical limits. Overexertion occurs when individuals engage in repeated movements or actions that, over time, wear down the body or parts of the body resulting in injuries such as a strain or sprain.
The knees, shoulders, and back are commonly affected by overexertion. When a job is demanding on your body, it is best to stay in tune to recognize signs of fatigue, take frequent rest breaks, and adapt your work technique to meet your body’s needs if and when it is needed.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls
A slip or fall is one of the most common and dangerous work injuries. Slips and falls account for many injuries on work sites and, sadly, many deaths. In just one year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that approximately 30 workers in Pennsylvania will lose their lives because of a fall-related accident at work.
Wearing proper protective equipment and harnesses and being aware of your surroundings can help keep you safe from unexpected hazards that could contribute to a fall.
3. Lacerations and Punctures
Whether it is a tool of your trade or hazards present in the work area, many types of work-related accidents can lead to puncture wounds or laceration injuries. Depending on the depth of these injuries, they can affect tendons, ligaments, muscles, or organs.
4. Burns, Scalds, and Heat Exposure
If you work with heating elements and/or hazardous chemicals, or work for prolonged periods in hot environments, you can be susceptible to burns, scalding, or even heat exposure illnesses.
To prevent these common and dangerous injuries on the job, you should wear the proper attire and protective equipment and follow procedures and protocols closely. Additionally, if you are in the heat for many hours in the day, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, monitor your hydration levels, and take a break if necessary to reduce exposure to the heat at peak hours.
5. Struck or Injured by an Object
Working in industries such as warehouses, construction sites, and retail locations can increase your risk of becoming injured by falling objects, goods, or materials.
Keeping protective headgear on when near areas at high risk of objects falling will offer you the best protection from head injuries. Remaining aware and alert of what you are passing beneath while at work can also help you prevent a possible accident.
What To Do After a Workplace Accident?
Taking quick action when you sustain an injury at work can help protect your health and your rights to benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. After a workplace accident, take the following steps to get the help you need for your injuries and the interruptions to your ability to work after an injury.
- Get medical help quickly to prevent further harm to you.
- Report your injury in detail as soon as possible.
- Gather evidence such as records, discharge papers, and photographs of your injury.
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss filing a claim for benefits.
Why Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney?
A workers’ compensation attorney at HGSK Law Firm can be a great resource and benefit when you have to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation claims are not easy, and insurers can make filing for benefits a challenging and tedious process. By hiring a member of our team, you take off the pressure of filing a claim by yourself and having to talk to insurers, medical providers, and your employer about your injury and benefits. The workers’ compensation attorneys and staff at HGSK Law Firm can help prepare your claim and guide you through the process of securing benefits that can support you through your recovery.
Choose HGSK Law Firm in Pennsylvania if You’ve Had a Workplace Injury
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you need a reliable and experienced legal team to help you navigate the complex and confusing world of workers’ compensation claims.
At HGSK Law Firm in Pennsylvania, we have the experience, expertise, and dedication you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success and are committed to fighting for the rights of workers who have been injured on the job.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury at work, contact HGSK Law Firm as soon as possible. Our attorneys will provide you with the personalized attention and legal representation you need to win your case. Don’t take chances with your future. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.