Common Workplace Injuries

There are many common workplace injuries which can occur at any time. In certain work places, particular kinds of accidents are far more frequent than others. For instance, people employed in chemical factories are more prone to burns, chemical reactions and breathing problems than those who are involved in desk jobs. As injuries at workplaces are quite common, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the risks are minimised to the greatest extent so that the workers are provided with a safe and secure environment to work in. it also ensures that the employer is not sued for any common workplace injuries by the workers.

Trips and slips are the common injuries that occur at workplace and account for almost three fourths of them. These accidents may appear to be very minor initially, but they can be pretty serious any times. They may lead to broken bones, ligament tearing, severe muscle pulls, and head injuries along with limb fractures. It is the responsibility of the employer to see that the floors of the workplace are clean, suitable and in proper conditions. Also, the trailing wires and cables are hidden and ample lighting with adequate guardrails and hand rails are there.

Manual handling are other reason for such injuries and includes lifting, lowering, pulling, carrying, moving, pushing, restraining and holding any person, object or animal. Mostly, such manual handling leads to strains in feet, arms, hands, tendons, musculoskeletal and heart disorders along with back injuries. Many workers also suffer from many electrical injuries each year. For avoiding them to occur, the employers have to make sure that each of the electrical equipment used at the workplace is well maintained, suitable and well designed for the concerned work. To add, the workers who operate have to be well trained before they are asked to control them.

If a worker ends up incurring an injury at workplace then he/she can sue the employer for compensation. The employer will have to reimburse all the physical and mental losses that the worker undergoes inclusive of his lost wages, pension and medical expenses as well.

Other common workplace injuries include injuries while working with fire, using dangerous and toxic chemicals and when working with plant and heavy machinery. Though injuries come without any forewarning, but they can always be avoided if proper care and vigilance is maintained by both employer and the workers.