Injuries in the workplace can be a severe issue. Not only can they cause physical pain, but they can also lead to emotional distress, financial loss, and decreased productivity. Employers and employees alike must be aware of the causes of workplace injuries so that steps can be taken to prevent them from happening in the first place. We will discuss what causes workplace injuries and how to respond if an injury does occur.
What Causes Injuries at Work?
Every year, millions of working Americans suffer from workplace injuries. At the very least, these can result in lost wages and productivity due to time off work. But in some cases, workplace injuries can be debilitating or even fatal. Understanding the common causes of workplace injuries is essential to avoid them and stay safe on the job.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injury. Wet or slippery floors, debris on the ground, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces can cause them. Sadly, slips and falls can lead to brain injury, which can have long-term effects. Hiring a brain injury attorney is a wise decision in cases like this. They can help you receive the compensation you deserve for any brain injuries caused by workplace negligence.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
If you constantly engage in repetitive activities over a long period without proper rest, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is your body’s way of telling you to take it easy. A common stress-related condition can lead to further physical and mental suffering if not addressed immediately.
RSI commonly affects people who type for long periods or do manual labor involving prolonged use of their hands and arms, such as assembly line or warehouse workers. To reduce your risk for RSI, take regular breaks throughout the day to give your muscles a break and ensure you’re using proper posture while performing tasks.
Overexertion
Overexertion occurs when a person is using more physical force than they can sustain safely over an extended period due to fatigue or lack of conditioning. This can result in strains and sprains, often severe enough to require medical attention and time off work while healing occurs.
To reduce your risk for overexertion at work, make sure you’re aware of your physical capabilities before attempting any task that requires significant force and take frequent breaks if necessary during physically demanding jobs like lifting heavy objects or carrying them up stairs or ladders.
Falling Objects
Falling objects are another common cause of workplace injuries that can cause serious harm if not appropriately addressed. People who work at heights, such as construction workers, must be especially vigilant about wearing hard hats when necessary and securing tools properly so they don’t fall onto other workers below them on the job site. It is also important to make sure all materials, equipment, and machinery are kept in the right storage area. So if you are handling sheet metal, then utilizing STEELSTACK storage racks can be incredibly helpful at keeping things in line and workers safe from potential injury.
Additionally, employers should conduct regular inspections to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and there is no danger from falling objects on a worksite – such as loose ceiling tiles – so everyone stays safe while working around them. Something like a scissor lift can be particularly helpful for tasks like this, as they will allow inspectors to get up close to high areas and examine any potential dangers closely.
Responding to Injury at Work
If someone is injured while on the job, appropriate action must be taken immediately. The injured employee should receive prompt medical attention as soon as possible and must fill out an incident report detailing their injury and any other relevant information about the incident, such as who was present or what caused it.
The employer should mitigate any further risk of injury by ensuring all necessary safety protocols are followed and any hazardous areas are marked or cordoned off until repairs have been made.
An employee may need prolonged assistance after an injury, which a good employer should help them secure. For instance, Adeo offers assisted living for those who’ve suffered a brain injury, whilst those of a lesser severity may just need workplace adjustments. It can be difficult mentally as well to react to these events so it’s a good idea to ensure the injured employee and those still working are able to speak to someone if they’re struggling.
The Bottom Line
Injuries in the workplace can have severe consequences for both employers and employees alike. Everyone involved with a particular business or organization needs to understand what causes these injuries so that steps can be taken to prevent them from happening in the first place. If an accident occurs, proper action must be taken immediately to mitigate further harm. By accepting these measures, we can ensure that workplaces remain safe spaces where everyone can thrive without fear of injury or danger.
