Many accidents can occur in the workplace and lead to serious injuries. Even though a workplace should be safe and the proper precautions should be taken to avoid injury, it still happens. Below we list the most common types of workplace injuries and how they can be prevented.

  1. Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are one of the most common injuries suffered in the workplace. They can cause head, back, and neck injuries, as well as broken bones. Slips and falls are also a top cause of workers’ compensation claims. It’s important to contact a work injury lawyer if you’ve suffered any type of injury at work as they know the proper legal steps to take and can help you file a workers’ comp claim.

Slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces can cause slips and falls. Proper footwear, clear walking paths, and clean walking surfaces are all ways that slips and falls can be prevented.

  1. Lacerations

Cuts are also very common among many different industries. Without the proper treatment of an open wound, infections, scarring, and blood loss can ensue. Being cautious and vigilant can help you avoid laceration injuries.

  1. Explosions and Fires

Explosions and fires can be deadly in the workplace and have the highest casualty rate of any workplace accident. Burns and disfigurement are common injuries that result after an explosion or fire. To avoid these injuries, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard should be followed in the workplace. 

  1. Repetitive Strains

Many employees perform repetitive motions while at work. This can cause overexertion and musculoskeletal disorders. Constant keyboard typing, lack of breaks, and improper lifting of heavy objects can all be the leading cause of strains and sprains. 

The best way to prevent strains and sprains is ergonomics. Employees should be given proper equipment and breaks to ensure that they don’t overexert themselves on the job.

  1. Car Accidents

Many employees need to operate cars as part of their job. This includes delivery truck drivers, salespeople, and even police officers. Car accidents can be fatal or result in serious injuries like, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. To avoid an accident, employees should follow the rules of the road and stay alert while operating a motor vehicle.

Workplace injuries can occur but are also preventable. Employers should make sure that the workplace is safe for their employees and that proper training is conducted so workers know how to get their jobs done safely. Even though work accidents are preventable, there are some common injuries that are suffered in the workplace when accidents occur. When an employee suffers an injury on the job, it’s important that they take the proper steps when reporting their injury and filing a workers’ compensation claim. That’s when speaking with a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney is helpful. An experienced attorney, like those at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, will know exactly what to do and how to help an injured employee get the compensation they deserve.