Working Safely: The 3 Workplace Injuries That Can Cost You Time and Money
Did you know that the top three workplace-related injuries can have you out of work for up to 13 days on average? Further, these top injuries are known to not only cause serious bodily harm but can also be extremely costly to recover from in the long run.
We all depend on our jobs for our livelihood. And without a steady job, you’ll be forced into situations that may be considered less than ideal.
The last thing anyone wants is to suddenly find themselves out of work or without the ability to work. But this happens quite often throughout the country, as businesses who don’t follow proper safety procedures put their employees at risk every day. As such, many who find themselves having to take time to recover from work-related injuries find themselves getting eviction notices, or they’re forced to move in with family members. Some may even find themselves homeless.
Thankfully, there are laws that can financially protect those from the consequences of work-related injuries.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 3 workplace-related injuries that can leave you without the ability to work.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Perhaps the most common among workplace injuries, and ones that happen before you even realize it, are slips and falls.
Slips and falls are common in just about every workplace environment. Whether you work in an office environment or in a warehouse, you can find yourself out of work due to a slip and fall.
Slips and falls are notorious for happening abruptly. And often, this is due to a wet or slippery floor or mud or grease that can find its way onto footwear. Basically, if you work in an environment where mud or grease are present, such as in a construction environment, a garage, or even in a restaurant kitchen, you can find yourself injured due to a slip and fall.
Workers’ compensation lawsuits are also a common course of action when a slip and fall occurs. And if the company you work for isn’t stepping up to pay you for damages, pursuing injury-related pay via lawsuit might be your best strategy.
Overexertion
Injuries resulting from lifting, pulling, and pushing objects which require great effort are among the top 3 workplace-related injuries.
Often in the workplace, we’re required to lift heavy objects. The only problem here is that many workers simply underestimate the object’s weight or overestimate their own strength.
These injuries can actually be seriously debilitating, as back injuries (common with lifting and pulling) can leave you hospitalized or out of work for several weeks. As such, overexertion accounts for around 80 percent of workplace-related injuries across the country.
In order to avoid overexertion, you really need to know your own limitations when it comes to strength. Additionally, using proper lifting procedures and asking for help when an object is too heavy are practices that may help you avoid an injury.
Contact with Heavy Objects and Hazardous Equipment
When you come into contact with equipment or other objects in the workplace, the resulting accident can leave you seriously injured. Accidents of this kind are among the workplace-related injuries that can leave you the most seriously injured or dismembered.
Often when you work around heavy machinery, these machines typically operate at high temperatures or at high revolutions. And it’s not uncommon for a worker to get clothing snagged in machinery and become injured or get too close and suffer significant burns.
Additionally, being caught in between objects, getting struck by falling objects, or getting hit by a vehicle can also cause severe injuries while on the job. These kinds of injuries are among the most costly, both physically and financially.
A sound sense of awareness is essential while on any job, especially if working around heavy machinery or equipment with moving parts.
Being safe on the job is everyone’s responsibility. And though some safety protocols sometimes go unchecked or unfollowed, it is essential for the health and safety of everyone in a workplace environment to adhere to all safety guidelines and be safety compliant at all times.
