The Most Common Workplace Injuries

May 11, 2016 @ 9:45 am

Getting hurt on the job can cause both physical and emotional distress. Depending on the extent of the injury, one accident could potentially put you in the position of being unable to work. While these risks vary from job to job, any work-related injury may entitle you to compensation from your employer.

The Potential for Injury

Workplace injuries may be acute and occur suddenly, or chronic and worsen over time. Some acute injuries may cause lasting problems that make it difficult to perform your job duties. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:

• Overexertion resulting in strains and sprains
• Slips and falls
• Repetitive motion
• Being hit by or running into objects
• Getting caught in machinery

Some of these injuries are the result of employees handling heavy objects incorrectly or not paying attention to their environment or actions on the job. Others occur due to employer negligence or the negligence of a third party. Regardless of who is at fault, any of these incidents could leave you incapacitated for an indeterminate amount of time. The longer you’re out of work, the more compensation you’ll need to cover medical expenses and the costs of living.

Employee Safety

It’s up to both employers and employees to keep the workplace safe. Employers are required to comply with OSHA regulations to ensure the wellbeing of workers, and employees are expected to behave appropriately and follow all necessary safety protocols.

In office environments, proper workstation design that includes ergonomic solutions can help prevent strains and repetitive use injuries. The general office area should also be organized to reduce clutter and ensure that all materials are properly stored. This prevents sudden trips, falls and other injuries.

Companies that handle hazardous materials or run large machinery should provide clear labeling that warns of the potential dangers. Employers should also provide appropriate safety gear and keep machines in working order to prevent malfunctions.

Consistent safety training for new and seasoned employees ensures that everyone understands the standards and rules that the company has in place. Training should be repeated on a regular schedule to update employees on additional developments and bring new employees up to speed.

Compensation

If you get hurt on the job, your first priority is to seek medical treatment. Louisiana’s workers’ compensation laws entitle you to see a doctor of your choice. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to go to a physician approved by the workers’ compensation insurance that your employer carries. Give a detailed account of how the injury occurred, and make sure that the hospital keeps equally thorough records. Follow up your appointment with an accident report at your workplace, and file a workers’ compensation claim to initiate the process.

Injuries resulting from negligence on the part of a third party may require a personal injury suit. If you are hurt on the job, your employer could also be subject to legal trouble if he or she refuses to provide appropriate compensation. Serious or chronic injuries may require further action to obtain disability coverage.

There are many cases in which you may be able to file a personal injury claim. In the event you become injured at work, consider hiring a lawyer. Experienced personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you are entitled to in order to cover the income lost due to time away from work and to handle any past and future medical expenses.