What to Do If You Experience One of These Common Workplace Injuries

Worker safety remains a substantial concern within the workplace. A staggering number of workers become injured or even die every day. In 2016, approximately 2.9 million people experienced injuries they may never recover from while at work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each day, 13 individuals who leave for work do not return home. Although improvements continue to be made in education and safety measures, the statistics are still worrisome. Injuries can occur at any time and any place, and the following are consistently ranked as some of the most common causes of workplace injuries:

Long periods of sitting, standing, or repeating manual tasks are the cause of one of the fastest growing areas of occupational injuries, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These types of injuries present themselves gradually but can eventually become debilitating. Proper employee training, as well as usage of ergonomic equipment, can reduce the risk of these repetitive stress injuries (RSIs).

When working on machines and other heavy equipment, people are at risk of becoming entangled within the machinery. When no precautions are taken, clothes, hair, jewelry, and fingers can become caught, often leading to severe injuries.

Any falling object has injury potential, no matter its size. Items falling from shelves or off of scaffolding can lead to deadly results. Wearing the proper personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, goggles, and shoes, can assist significantly in the reduction of severe injuries due to items falling.

Slip and falls are the leading cause of injuries on job sites, accounting for about 20% of all workplace injuries. Wearing non-slip shoes in the correct conditions can help people maintain stable footing in slippery conditions and avoid these types of accidents. However, it is everyone's responsibility to keep walkways free of debris and extraneous clutter. Training, diligence, and utilization of proper safety techniques can reduce these numbers.

If you have experienced an injury while at your workplace, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation, and you may also be able to seek compensation from the responsible party. The attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. will examine your case and help you understand your options for receiving the compensation you need to cover your lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering. If you would like to discuss your case with a Santa Clara County, CA workplace injury lawyer, contact us today at (408) 289-1417 to schedule your free initial consultation.

• Employer-Reported workplace injuries and illnesses–2016
• Slip & Fall Quick Facts
• Workplace Injury, Illness and Fatality Statistics