Occupational injuries have become substantially less common in recent years due to a significant increase in standard health and safety measures. However, work-related injuries remain a concern. And some industries are far more dangerous than others.
Nevertheless, if you have experienced an occupational injury, it’s vital to report the incident immediately, seek medical attention, and consult an expert attorney on this website. An attorney will help you through the process of claiming and ensure you receive fair compensation.
That said, we’ve listed five of the most common occupational injuries.
- Falls, Slips, And Trips
Slips, trips, and falls are the most prominent work-related injuries and the most common reason for occupational injury claims. These accidents can happen due to icy, slippery, or wet floors, loose flooring, falling from ladders, and several other instances.
- Muscle Strains and Overexertion
Muscle strains and overexertion can lead to long-term damage and an overall decline in productivity. These injuries occur when employees are overworked, expected to lift heavy objects manually, exposed to a collapsing structure, and a few other instances.
- Struck By Workers, Falling Objects or Equipment
Injuries caused by falling objects, equipment, or the reckless behavior of another employee are all relevant occupational injuries.
These injuries are caused by poorly guarded machinery, unsafe working environments, and a lack of professional conduct.
- Crashes and Explosions
Crashes and collisions are also relevant occupational injuries. If the injury occurred in any kind of road accident while performing job responsibilities, you are entitled to claim compensation from your employer.
Explosions are a concern mainly in high-risk industries, although they can occur in other work environments as well. With this, if you have been impacted by the primary blast, or developed illness due to secondary impacts, you are still entitled to claim compensation.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances
In history, the radium girls made quite a mark on the world’s workforce. In 1916, a group of female factory workers was tasked with painting radium dials on watch faces for a glow-in-the-dark effect. The workers were instructed to lick the tip of the paintbrush for precision results, and it was unknown at the time that radium was deathly toxic.
Over time, the workers developed severe health ailments as they were gradually consuming the poison.
In today’s world, employers are responsible for their employees’ health and safety. Exposure to harmful substances that result in illness calls for a fair compensation payout. Employers must protect their employees from such instances, and PPE is usually neglected when employees develop illness from long-term exposure to harmful substances.
Steps to Take After an Occupational Injury
As mentioned above, it’s essential to report your injury as soon as possible after the accident. The next vital step is to seek medical attention. You must prioritize treatments, even if you feel the injury is minor; medical reference is critical for the claims process.
Furthermore, it’s also essential to keep your employer in the loop concerning your recovery and time off. In addition, consult an expert lawyer to ensure a fair compensation payout.
