Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can happen on any type of job, although it is widely recognized that construction work, manufacturing work, and offshore operations are particularly dangerous jobs. However, an office worker can also suffer an accident or injury that is covered by Workers’ Compensation.  Every profession has its risks, whether it be chemical exposure or carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motion over a long period of time.

Fortunately, Workers’ Compensation laws were designed to protect employees by compensating them for lost wages and covering their medical expenses without having to prove negligence, as required in a personal injury lawsuit. Your employer and insurance company may try to offer less than you deserve to cut costs.  An experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you obtain the benefits you deserve.

OSHA estimates that nearly 631 American worker’s lives could be saved every year by eliminating just four common work hazards. Dubbed the “Fatal Four”, these include falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and being caught-in or between objects. Such accidents were responsible for more than half (63.7 percent) of construction worker deaths in 2016.

Some of the most common types of on-the-job injuries include the following:

Car Accidents:  Commercial truck drivers, delivery drivers, and others who drive as part of their job, may be entitled to compensation if they are injured in a car accident during the course of their employment.

Construction Accidents: The combination of heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and working from heights makes construction work inherently dangerous. Some construction related accidents are relatively minor, but others can be fatal.  Construction workers should always wear appropriate safety gear to avoid serious injury.  Crane accidents, scaffold accidents, ladder accidents, and forklift accidents happen every day because employers cut corners when it comes to employing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandated safety measures.

Crane Accidents:  Cranes are a common piece of equipment not only used on construction sites, but also in manufacturing plants, warehouses, airports, and retail stores.  Crane accidents are extremely serious because workers can fall from great heights or objects can fall from the crane onto workers below.

Electrical Accidents:  Electrical burns commonly occur on construction sites, but they can happen anywhere.  Employers are required to ensure that workers are properly trained and that equipment is maintained and in working order. Electrocution injuries can cause internal or external burns, typically requiring extensive hospitalization.  If you have been injured on the job, you are entitled to immediate treatment of your injuries.

Elevator Accidents:  Elevator accidents often happen to workers fixing a broken elevator and are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits.

Equipment Malfunctions: These types of accidents are common for those working in the manufacturing and meat packing industries.  Large, sharp, or hot equipment typically causes the most severe injuries.  Those working around dangerous equipment should always follow safety protocol to keep hair tied back and to remove all jewelry.

Fatal Work Accidents:  The most common fatal accidents are falls from forklifts and cranes at great heights.

Forklift Accidents:  Every year, there are approximately 1,500 fatalities caused by forklifts.  Forklifts are used in several industries, including retail and construction, and injuries can range from minor to fatal.  All those injured in forklift accidents should seek immediate medical attention.

Ladder Accidents:  Not only are those working on ladders susceptible to injuries, but workers below can be struck by falling objects.  It is important to always wear a hardhat on the job.

Machine Accidents: Machine accidents can result in lacerations, amputations, burns, repetitive stress injuries, and more.  It is best to make sure that machinery you use at work is properly maintained.  Request safety training from your employer if you are working around dangerous machinery.

Office Accidents:  A repetitive strain injury or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are common office accidents due to excessive computer usage, resulting in vision problems, joint pain, and back and neck discomfort.

Scaffolding Accidents: Hammers, tools, or debris can fall from scaffolding, injuring workers below.

Slip and Fall Accidents: The most common slip and fall accidents happen in restaurants and hospitals, resulting in fractures, sprains, knee and wrist injuries.