Each year, about 3 million workers are injured on the job around the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although the majority of these injuries are not considered serious, more than a third of them result in employees taking time off work while they recuperate. Employees may wish to be aware of potential workplace hazards and how they stay clear of them.
Of all the work-related injuries, overexertion is one of the most common. Employees who strain to carry, pull, lift or push heavy object often suffer from it. This type of injury can be prevented by refraining from moving heavy objects alone and immediately stopping when a feeling of soreness or intense lower abdominal pain is present.
Many employees who work around heavy equipment or where goods are unloaded or loaded undergo serious injuries when they became compressed by or trapped in a machine. Employees should be trained to be extra cautious when using heavy equipment or working around moving forklifts.
A further common workplace injury results from repetitive motions, such as typing, answering phones and stuffing envelopes. Carpal tunnel syndrome and similar types of injuries can be avoided when employees take regular breaks and using equipment especially designed to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
While employees can take certain precautions to avoid an occupational injury, accidents will continue to happen. While most North Carolina employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees, the process of filing a claim for benefits can seem complicated for some injured workers, and as such the assistance of an attorney can be advisable.
Source: The Huffington Post, “How to Avoid Workplace Injuries”, Stephanie Caudle, May 9, 2016